
What is Peace?
Watching the birds on a spring morning because you are home
and not busy?
Folding paper into an origami crane?
Holding a baby as he tries to stand alone?
Crying when you watch the news?
Making a sign for a march?
Praying in a small church wearing masks, no hugs for passing peace?
Packing boxes of food to give to anyone who drives by?
Is it ever enough?
When will we know?

Lovely, Margaret. Your words touched my heart.
Your poetry, most always, and especially this morning, touches my heart. Peace is illusive these days as we face uncertainty and reevaluate our lives and how we can live fairy and peacefully during all the times of our lives. Thank you.
Beautiful words that ask the reader to pause and consider. Thank you for sharing.
All those things stir the soul … I think peace is the landing place of the spirit. I love the symbolism of the cranes. I used to lead a summer math camp and the kids and I made origami cranes together. I also remember a fourth-grader years before who made the tiniest crane ever – smaller than a fingernail – and I still have it. It remains a marvel to me.
Fran, I have a tiny crane, too! I had a student who would watch YouTube videos and made me all kinds of things. I love teaching my students how to make the cube with 6 pieces of paper. It’s a great exercise for spatial development.