Who We Are – a Poem for Peace and Joy

Who We Are
by Marilyn Peretti

We are made to live quietly,
tending to our own concerns, and
to work with our hands,
   just as you knit and paint and write,
   and sweep and wash clothes,
so as to gain respect from others.

We are to be at peace 
among ourselves, knowing 
the Spirit resides in us;
encourage one another,
building one another up.
Help the weak, be patient 
with everyone.

In this way 
you shine as Light
to all around you.
Be the Light your sister 
is looking for, your sister
who struggles and leans
on you. Like the quick mist
you are, shower her with
wisdom, then vanish.

 (Remembering the positive beliefs 
of Thich Nhat Hanh and Desmond Tutu, 
 these ideas are taken from Paul’s Letters.)

Enjoy this contribution to the Two Journeys of Peace and Joy project in tribute to Desmond Tutu and Thich Nhat Hanh. We’d love to have your contribution in art, photography or writing. Send it to anawimarts.com for inclusion in this Community Conversation.