BEYOND VIOLENCE

               There is no human need for violence
               Except occasionally for self-defense;
               Our malice in the past must be outgrown
               And viciousness we can no more condone.

               Humanity stands at a turning point
               And may another way of being anoint
               As holier and healthier than when
               We thought the world a thieves’ or lion’s den.

               Although this be a visionary plea,
               What’s sane in us most surely will agree
               That only peace and amity can make
               Up for our dreadful history of ache:

                    That pain will pass if we can rise above
                    All animosity and live in love.

*