That Quiet Peace Poem by Grant House

New York Times, March 15,2019
"On Friday, " the great world leader "called the New Zealand killings
a 'horrible disgraceful thing.'
Asked by reporters if he saw white nationalism
as a rising threat around the world, "
The great world leader "said he did not.
'I think it's a small group of people
that have very, very serious problems, I guess, '" the great world leader said.

Coming to grips
With the enormity of what happened
Is simply impossible.
Instead
Let us shift our focus
Away from the perpetrator
By getting to know and honor the victims and their families
Recognizing the heroism that arose
Amid the chaos, fear, and terror.

Bear witness to the outpouring of love and compassion
Streaming in from around the world.
Express companionship and solidarity
No matter what our faith or nationality
Lowering flags to half staff, spirit wind unfurled.

Recommit to peace
For which our singular divinity is yearning
The fertile common ground
From whom we all have come
To whom we are all returning.

In the presence of this great love we stand
No one better, no one more, no one less
Our families side by side as one
That quiet peace, respect, and understanding
Drowning out the complicit doubt unkindly shouted
In the silent whistle words, "I guess."

That quiet peace
It shall prevail
That quiet peace
To whom we all belong
That quiet peace
It does not fail
That quiet peace
Reminds us gently
With great power
Even in our darkest hour
Lives lived in love for one another
Lives lived like that
In love
Are strong