in remembering

it is an undeniable

and sorrowful

feature of our existence

that war

and the suffering

that blooms from its presence

continues to exist

despite the efforts

of men and women

who could and can

see beyond

the characterization

of entire nations and races of people

as "good" or "bad"

"right" or "wrong"

~

there is no place

for war

in my life

or in the lives of anyone

who values the blessings

of this place

we so briefly inhabit

a place

to which

we should endeavour

to bring grace

and goodness

and a lasting love

that transcends

the vagaries

of our bodies and minds

likes and dislikes

a love

that embraces

and celebrates

through its very existence

the love

that connects all and everything

~

on this day

when we and i

honour the memories

and sacrifices

of all people

who died

for their beliefs

or for the beliefs

of someone they believed in

i also

honour the memories

of those

who worked

and are working

to undo the unnecessary sorrow

and suffering

attendant

to the human condition

as expressed through war

peace

compassion

care

gratitude

grace

kindness

goodness

thoughtfulness

love