pacific prospectus

Blessed are the peacemakers, and one sure way of peacemaking
 is to let the fire of contention alone.  Neither fan it, nor stir it, nor add fuel to it, but  
 let it go out by itself.  Begin your ministry with one blind eye and one deaf ear.—  
Charles Spurgeon    
   
if you can swallow    
your own dark words    
before you shoot them    
at provocateurs and fools    
and if you can cool the flames    
that others sling at you    
before they swell and cripple the light    
that heals your soul    
perhaps the green hills shall be spared    
and the human spirit persuaded    
to clamber to loftier heights    
for a better view of life    
in the cold cold earth    
   
if you can forbear    
just a moment longer    
when the sting of wrath    
burrows deep into your skin    
and venom-scars your conscience    
or if you can kill the spiteful spark    
that ignites your restless anger    
to thirst for innocent blood    
perhaps the rivers    
shall symphony    
their passage to the sea    
without the shallowness    
of discordant weeping    
and fretful turns    
around the vicious bend    
   
if you can keep your hand    
out of trouble    
when itchy fingers reach out    
to snatch that which    
to someone else belongs    
and if you can be content    
with such things    
as you already have    
and let the man be blessed    
by that which he has been blessed    
and if you can divide your bounty    
with him that has little    
or amplify your little    
for him that has nothing    
perhaps the bowels    
of the earth    
will magnify their harvest    
and you shall never lack again    
for your words    
and your patience    
and your restraint    
and your generosity    
shall multiply    
like abraham’s seed    
to fill the hungry places    
with satisfaction    
and fill your heart    
with grace    
and fill the universe    
with praise    
   
© Copyright 2023 January 04    
by Clyve A. Bowen♫