The Offering

Armed to the teeth, wielding guns,
stockpiling weapons, like pirates,

we clench knives. Injurious blades,
stab at our essence, sharp edges,

harden our core. Steely indifference
kills our children, attacks humankind.

But do you recall Genesis, Noah,
after the Flood, a dove, an olive

branch, an offering? Let us clench
branches―not blades, be agents

of harmony, couriers of kindness,
messengers of peace.