The search for peace replaces the quest for glory as depicted in this moving segment. Screams of the dying followed by a trumpet’s cry set the tone for quiet contemplation.

Angry flames fueled by pride transform a tainted landscape. In the aftermath, rubble and desolation create a hollow space, a cleansing for humility to take root. Humility introduces newfound hope as man, once again, turns his face to Agnus Dei.

Is the landscape shaped like an eternal knot? Perhaps we need to dwell upon the creative expression of Welsh composer, Karl Jenkins. His haunting melody, Benedictus, ignites something deep inside. He helps us to see from a distance the ashes in a purged panorama.

When men’s hearts begin to fail them, and towers crumble and fall, embers of a fallen nation are gathered to create a new fire, lighting the torch within.

lighting the torch within…

Perhaps this is an appropriate moment for me to share a poem from the book “Gentle Whispers.”

Summer Camp

Moment is mine to steal and hide
Beneath besieging blue
Its sky is high and free to guide
My thoughts to mystic hue.
Birds that cross my vision fly
To trees of their free choosing
Songs in symposium, spirits in love
Boundaries collectively fusing.

Gentle breeze brushes my face
I lie in timber green
From swooping birds who know my pace
and stir my senses clean.
Farmlands melt my fading dreams
They boast of golden torches
Riding sun’s synthetic steed
They sway in mocking scorches.

Fence of wire keeps me within
To protect me from the wild
And silently a fox’s chin
Is pressed on the other side.
Waiting in turn, humble hearts yearn
safer pasture to tread
Moment lays hold to wriggle and churn
telltale ashes that define the dead.

In crude awakening scope
Siren blasts its sound
It meddles with a moment’s hope
And sinks it to the ground.
The fear to fall, nature’s stance
befuddled before the tower
Is haunted by a threatening chance
To lose one’s precious power.

Fox’s ears are sharp and pointed
His head is turned to face the fire
Exchanging glances with eyes anointed
Know fate lies with this wire.
In hurried steps I dodge the light
For night has fallen now
Beyond the fence freedom fires fight
And a fox’s shadow stoops and bows.

Ready to plummet through farewell’s chasm
Unchaperoned in universal hall
Fire tails flickering will lose their spasm
Towers corrupt will crumble and fall.
Stars of deity destined to call
Are the same in Heaven, countless, aglow
In silent posture I face execution’s wall
one heart to beat forevermore.

Their stories are heard. Your forefathers know them well.
If we forget, nature calls to give us a gentle reminder.
If we ignore it, nature sends us a storm.

In conclusion to this mellifluous performance of the heart it would also be appropriate to end with these words:

Hope you are enjoying this War and Peace series. There is more to come!

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