Although in our hearts and souls a fire
has taken hold, crimson only burns
up the canvas, fuels and lights the war,
sticky as blood, congealing the soil
and nothing nourishing will grow.
The verdure of peace is a welcome balm,
it cools the heat and keeps us calm.
Kim M. Russell, 9th June 2020
My response to earthweal weekly challenge: Environmental Justice
writing in north norfolk 
After destruction the really hard work begins. (K)
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Yes; more green please. I had had a couple pleas for peace published myself, just this morning at Rusty Truck: https://rustytruck.wordpress.com/2020/06/08/two-poems-by-ron-lavalette/
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Congratulations Ron!
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Beautiful……the hard work is right ahead of us, for sure……
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Thank you, Sherry.
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“The verdure of peace is a welcome balm” – such a soothing line. As Seamus Heaney said, the redress of poetry is a solution to the violence of the time, if only as simile. Thanks for bringing this to earthweal – Brendan
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Cheers Brendan!
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Wise words, these words of peace.
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Thank you, Lindi.
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Funny how in the painting, green dominates–the red can not constrain it. But in your poem the red seems stronger, with the verdure of peace a brief balm. May all of our taking part in the balm help it restore balance.
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I think we have to tip the balance, Susan, to ensure we never return to the bad old days.
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