Everyday Harmony

Breathe in

Reach out

That is where peace starts

Peace is not a word we frame

Then forget when anger came

It is taking one more breath

Before we throw a word we might regret

It is asking, “What did you mean?”

Listening past what first was seen

It is choosing not to make

Another person smaller for a mistake

We can disagree

And still protect each other’s dignity

Peace is a practice Love is a choice Respect is the rhythm

In every voice We do not have to match

To stand side by side

Peace is a practice We live every day

and night

Breathe in

Reach out (breathe in,

reach out)

Listen in

Love out (listen in,

love out) Peace can say,

“I was not fair”

Peace can help repair what happened there

Peace can set a boundary strong

Without deciding someone does not belong

It can share, protect,

and teach

Bring the distant closer into reach

It is justice with a human face

Making every person worthy of a place

We can disagree And still protect each other’s

dignity

Peace is a practice Love is a choice

Respect is the rhythm

In every voice We do not have to match To stand side

by side Peace is a practice

We live every day and night

There is no victory

In making another heart small

There is no harmony

When only one voice has it all

I can be firm and kind

I can seek what is true

I can make room for peace

In the things I say and do

Peace is a practice

Love is a choice

Hope is the music

We make with our voice

We do not have to match To stand side by side Peace

is a practice

We carry into life

Breathe in

Reach out

Peace starts here Peace starts now