The only way to Triumph
Over hate and destruction is
To not hate and not destroy:²
For the benefit of the Flower
We water the Thorns too.³
We Steal love’s sweet bait
From Fearful Hooks!⁴
Gather in the arms of your Love
Those who expect no love from above.⁵
Find beneath the scorn: a maze of Need—⁶
When someone hurts you, don’t turn inward,
Turn to that person—they’re Hurting themselves—⁷
Love your enemies: Bless them that curse you—
Do Good for them that hate you—and Pray for
Them which despitefully use you and persecute you.⁸
Impossible men—outlawed drum of their
Hearts—punishable dance of their Breath:
Our loving them is the Forbidden Religion!⁹
Although Love prefers to dwell in gay palaces
And voluptuous bedchambers more that poor huts,
For all that, it at times makes its Powers felt in dense
Forests, on rugged mountains, and in desert caves,
From which you’re able to see that
Everything is subject to its Power.¹⁰
¹ Cathy Song, This Wonderful Opportunity
² 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Not in Our Names
³ Egyptian proverb
⁴ William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
⁵ Langston Hughes, Prayer
⁶ Joanna Klink, Report on Fire
⁷ Mother Teresa, Her Essential Wisdom
⁸ Matthew 5:44 (King James)
⁹ Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, Possible
¹⁰ Giovanni Boccaccio tr. Wayne Rebhorn, The Decameron