by Darrell Petska
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| On the lookout for Chinese balloons for as long as it takes to be photographed. |
Where within our nature that calls forth deities
exemplifying boundless love and mercyWhere on intellect’s rich plain that grows
a bounty of life-affirming arts and sciences
Where within the confines of flesh that spark
unbounded imagination and indomitable will—
Where are the words to convince us
that wars are not intrinsic to human nature,
the road to lasting peace never passing
through war, arms build-ups, and nuclear threats?
What words are we missing to let us see
beyond sides to the one and only human side?
The words exist, but unless we find them soon,
we could miss forever our chance to use them.
Darrell Petska is a Middleton, Wisconsin poet. His faith in humanity, though sorely tested right now, holds strong.