Beyond Mere Peace

Shalom --
the way things should be

We know things are not as they should be --
a far cry from the soft greenery of
Eden, but the sister of pitted Gomorrah.

We spend our days worrying
about all the Things out of our
hands, and stockpile the data
as if knowledge alone could halt suffering,

as if good intentions could fill stomachs
or wishing could quench parched mouths.
As if asking how are you could heal
the scarred and broken human
heart needing more than a patch job.

We pass us on the streets, in the streets,
looking for something to fill the gaps,
seeking reward for our strivings
at the wall of our ideals

cemented too firmly to allow
new work to rear its tiny
bud and bear good fruit.