by Chris Cavan
they keep on walking
hearts attuned
to love & peace
the only way they know
one foot ahead of the other
over & over
along the winding spiral of history
hoping for change
for something sacred to unfold
24 monks
2,300 miles
120 days
across 9 states
ancient icons
of submission & acceptance
move towards the horizon
walking for peace
along a road
that seems endless
traversing a fractured america
land of broken promises & shattered dreams
saffron & ochre robes
colours of the earth
a single line of flames
burning along the road
mingling with long shadows
from dawn to dusk
scruffy white rescue dog
brought from india
loyal companion to the monks
with light ochre markings
aloka – sanskrit for “divine light”
barefoot venerable pannakara
holding light’s leash & leading the way
bandaged feet
cold & rain
snow & wind
venerable phommasan’s amputated leg
his “sacred sacrifice for peace”
christ-like acceptance
of accidental & inevitable injuries
suffering & hardship
cycles of life
taken in stride
joined by a growing tide
millions of hopeful humanity
yearning for healing & peace
walk with holy men in robes
leading the way
walking the distance
between war & peace
love & hate
welcoming & banishment
blue & red
they keep on walking
hearts attuned
to love & peace
the only way they know
one foot ahead of the other
over & over
along the winding spiral of history
hoping for change
for something sacred to unfold
a line of serene faces
lost in the meditation
of walking
heads shaved
focused on their mission
to spread loving-kindness & compassion
to thousands who join them
to the world that is watching
as they walk & walk
sowing seeds with prayer & mindfulness
rose petals on water
flowers in their hands
hoping to cultivate
a world
with more inner peace
in the long shadows
as daylight fades
ghostly shadows keep moving
beyond the saffron-robed ones
who have stopped to rest
marching phantoms
of mahatma gandi, martin luther king jr.
& other inspired leaders
followed by millions
carrying placards
for peace & freedom
they keep moving on
toward the setting sun
with hope in every step
that echoes
across generations
rose petals on water
flowers in their hands
they keep on walking
hearts attuned
to love & peace
the only way they know
one foot ahead of the other
over & over
along the winding spiral of history
hoping for change
for something sacred to unfold
Walk for Peace –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IajAcHlnz_Y –
Song Walk with the Heart to Peace
https://www.facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa/videos/1429942021817775
