Slice of Life Stop Start

Writing Inspiration

In my twitter feed today, my friend Terry shared his post on Ukraine where all free people want peace. He makes valid points on the state of things, that worth in human life is everywhere, and that he does not want his children fighting and dying there. As a pacifist, I agree. There are far too many places in our world where war rages, where bullies, greed, and power reign. Another friend, Daniel, wrote a comment there— which I also agree with— that the rich and powerful gain from war as well as from peace. And, if the line is not drawn here, who is next?

The situation is complicated, and I always wonder why war is the answer rather than words. And then the Red Grammer song “Use a Word” pops into my head, a song I played and we discussed in my classroom— even with older middle schoolers.

When someone hurts your pride
And you want to run and hide
Use a word
When someone thinks of you
In a way that isn’t true
Use a word

Everybody’s different
take a look around and see
You’re the only you I know
and I’m the only me
Because we’re all so different
there’ll be times we disagree
But I just want to say my friend
that that’s alright with me

the Red Grammer song “Use a Word”

It reminds me of times when two kids begin lifting their fists, and I step in between, a space between and not touching, to say, “Stop. Use your words.” And helping each find the way through to solve the issue. Listening to the other is not easy; accepting one’s part is not easy; accepting what was and what’s next is not easy; finding and accepting a way through is not easy. But it is the way of peace, peace for each, peace for all.

And so our school practiced the Peace Path, like this one.

When peace is your path, then understanding and justice are found. When this is put into practice, peace is found, and the way of peace brings people together to solve issues.

At first, though, it’s important to stop and breathe. Stop. Stop. Use your words. And that became my poem today— not the specifics of a peace path, but the way of the peace path.

Writing Process

I started with Stop all the way through, but it did not make sense, and as I walked the peace path in my mind, I added some focus, like listen, share, In your heart. The goal is to use your words from the heart to discover a way through that each can uphold. This poem is probably what was in my mind as we followed the school’s Peace Path. A nudge. A reminder. A lot of patience. Some time. But isn’t it worth the time— to make peace rather than harm?

Poetry

Stop, Start, A Way Through

Stop
Hold that anger
Stop
Hold that tension
Stop
Being enemies
Stop
War
Yes, Stop
Look for the beauty
Start
Enjoy the sun
Start
Greet the person
Start
See the likeness
Start
Accept the difference
Start
Use your words
Start
Listen
Start
Use your words
Start
With your heart
Share
What’s in your heart
Start
Listen
Share
What’s in your heart
Start
Listen
Start
Look forward
Start
See the way through
Stay
In the moment
Say
Each, the way through
Stay
Walk together
Stay
This way
Stay

Sheri Edwards
031022 069.365.22
Poetry/Photography

Your Turn

So, how is peace found? What do you do? Who do you turn to for help? What are your ways towards peace? Find your adult helper and have a conversation about finding and keeping peace. To find ways to help the people of Ukraine or other areas of the world, see this NPR article.