that always comes in every desert
The perennial grace of beauty
as a bright blossom on a harsh hillside
as a soldier of an occupying force
pausing from duty
crouching in some act of kindness
to a native child.
Remember the events unfolding one year ago
Wanton death comes sometimes
Vast destruction born of foolish pride,
or fear
Oceans of suffering washing the desert.
Remember everything in which you are in community
which is to say everything
is your community of memory and hope
So remember.
Remember
what part of that community
called our country
unfolded in another part
called Iraq
one year ago.
Remember the springtime
Wanton death comes sometimes.
So does wanton life.
Though vast destruction and suffering is sometimes born of foolish pride
or fear
Yet the springtime comes in every desert
A perennial grace of beauty
as a bright orange blossom on a harsh hillside
as a soldier...
Humanity may end war someday.
Not in my lifetime, or my children's, but
Maybe someday. I don't know.
In the meantime, I know what I remember.
El Paso, 2004.03.24
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