Look for the peacemakers,

a wise man once said.

Look, he said

in the midst of horror

for the kindness

the gentle eyes

Look

how they always

appear to hold your hand

like

Buddhas

or Great Spirits

Look to the soft eyes of a dog

Head on your lap

creating, sharing your stillness.

Turn away from

the dead-eyed

killed by

their fear

leave them pitied

pitied eave them.

Listen to

the songs and singers

never silenced

by the water hoses

or bombs

only sung louder, sweeter

Watch for

the dancers

who bend but never break

who fly free as birds

free at last

Listen to

the storytellers

who sit around the fire

among the ruins

telling tales

of treasures, most sought

and freely shared

at no cost, no cost

to anyone

See the beloved with open arms

opening their doors

stretched beyond their own kin

to embrace us all

like family

They are here, there, everywhere

They are never far

They are

They are.

They have always been.

They will always be

the peacemakers

hope-givers

truth tellers.

Look up

just look up

there and there and there

they are carrying

you and me.