A YELLOW TULIP TINGED WITH RED

Thinking and praying for all those in Ukraine for whom there will be no flowers at this time.  

It seemed appropriate that this yellow tulip was tinged with red - there has been far too much blood shed in this conflict.

FOR PEACE

As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

John O'Donohue, Irish poet and philosopher

P.S.  This is a very moving video - of people and children across Ukraine reading Psalm 31 in bunkers and shelters.