Distant sand covers a child again
Yesterday they chased butterflies running then
Mom squats by broken walls digging through
Finds half a wax piece with sun painted too
Cold snow falls heavy—so cold
Stiff hands clutch words left untold
Hacksaw hums;pain chokes each cry
A teen’s leg stays in the trench nigh
Wild wind tears the tent’s thin gauze
Child’s shoes sink in hungry sand’s pause
Dad gives all his water to the kid
Last look—toward peace he did
Thick woods hide silent duds mean
Outside barbed wire China’s lights I’ve seen
Choking smoke steals breath away
Prayers cut short by gunshot’s sway
Now I walk China’s streets so bright
Night market skewers steam just right
School bell rings;kids run play
Laughter flies far on playground sway
I ask Mom: “What is peace tell me”
She says: “Sleep sound no fear to see;
Go out no bombs to make you flee;
A family eating happy free ”
I long for days with no more war
All kids go to school through the door
Wish cannonballs stop their loud roar
Wish guns stop hurting evermore
Walking China’s streets—how sweet it feels
Food fun laughter—all that’s real
I draw peace on paper clear bright
Stick it on world walls day night
Wish each day be good no sorrow
Only laughter today tomorrow
Wish all families stay complete
Wish peace stays forever never retreat