The Peacemakers

An older poem, always relevant.

Blessed are the peacemakers.
those to whom the choice is clear.

Forget the fence,
and trying so hard to walk it.

The ones who choose peace
see no walls to erect or scale.

The things which would divide
fade in their import,

compared to love
and its far reaching hospitality.

Blessed are those whose cause is fairness
turned on its head.

Those who weigh another’s debts
are learning still the laws of grace.

But the peaceful
have already beat their swords to ploughshares.

And need not wait for peace to proclaim it,
but pursue it with a gentle grace.

Turning the cheek,
and not conceding to fear,

and honouring the image of God
in every soul.

Blessed are those to whom peace is not an option
but who come bearing an ever-greening branch.

Who pour out love like wine,
un-stoppered and undiscerning as to merit or worth.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
they shall be called

Children of God.

Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry

Photo, Tree Church, Ohaupo, New Zealand