by Mary Saracino
30,000 maroon robes wafting in the wake of oppression,
red tongues of wisdom chanting, “May we be free of torture.”
30,000 voices singing, “May there be peace in hearts, peace in minds.”
30,000 monks flowing like a river of justice through the crowded streets
of Myanmar . 30,000 prayerful hands pressed palm to palm
in dissent. 30,000 warriors of compassion supplicating, “May kindness
spread around the world.” 30,000 seed-syllables scattered
in the waiting wind. May 30,000 pleas ripen, bear fruit,
fragrance our hearts with wisdom. May 30,000 songs of protest
instill hope in minds paralyzed with fear. May fierce witness
transform violence, sow peace, liberate our spirits from ignorant inaction.
May 30,000 echoing footsteps awaken us from separation,
proclaim this noble truth: this blood, these broken bones, those bullets
are no illusion. May all beings be free of torture. May all torturers
be free of hatred & despair. May all beings everywhere be free
from suffering & cruelty. May all beings everywhere know lasting peace.
Mary Saracino is a novelist, poet and memoir writer who lives in Denver, CO. Her most recent novel, The Singing of Swans, was a 2007 Lambda Literary Awards finalist. For more information visit www.pearlsong.com or www.marysaracino.com.