(A poem from the book Dwelling in Dissonance)

I see you

moving forward

to the frontline,

labelled traitor

by those who shield

behind you,

protecting others’ bodies,

absorbing attacks in your back

that are not aimed at you.

I see you

reaching across

the deep divide,

labelled hypocrite

by those who demonstrate

before you,

protecting others’ bodies,

absorbing attacks to your face

that are not aimed at you.

I see you

isolated

in the separate space,

labelled suspect

by those who gang up

before and behind you,

your own body now broken,

desolate in the desert of distrust,

mute in the marsh of misunderstanding.

I see you

growing

in the messiness,

called treasure

by Him who made you

who surrounds you,

His body broken,

absorbing the judgement

that was meant for us all.

I have met so many peacemakers. I salute you all!