Three years ago, the following poem was written as I was thinking of what is in my mind as a mediator. Because of the intense divisions in the world today, I have rewritten it thinking about the perspective of what is in my heart. We live at a time when peace is in short supply in many parts of our world, our communities, and our lives. We need more people to help bridge the divides we have created separating us. We need courageous people who can listen without judgment and be willing to give people ways to see what can be gained by letting go of hate long enough to encounter another person. We have that potential, whether it is on the world stage, at work, or in our neighborhoods. If only we choose to take the risk.
The Heart of a Peacemaker
Mary Lou Frank, Ph.D., October 18, 2023
Holding the promise of peace
In a sea of anger, fear, and confusion.
I walk into the “war room.”
Each time,
It is always new, but the anger smells the same.
Both sides are “Right,” often dead right.
The opportunity rests in listening.
And always, I learn.
When those in the conflict let go and see the other side,
Sometimes they forgive.
Other times, they recognize the common humanity they share.
Still, they may not be ready to disconnect from the dance,
Their egos, too fragile to admit fallibility,
Their positions are too entrenched.
If they concede, they feel they admit defeat.
They never realize that by not working together, they have already lost.
Whenever I leave the table though, I am humbled
That they would trust me with their pain, their vulnerability.
Whatever the outcome,
I hope they felt heard and know they could forge a path out of the struggle.
They could understand the other’s side.
They could stop the pain.
If only they take a risk on peace.
As I hope I do, each day.
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