An Alternative To War
There are some who state
That each war is inevitable
And that peace is the rare moment
Between wars – the only real way
Of resolution when nations disagree.
There are alternative means
To create relationships
That can withstand
What otherwise would pull
Groups of people into violence.
I would point to:
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
• The Olympics
• Movies (entertainment)
• Convocations of scientists
• Passive resistance (non-violent protests)
• Voting (democracy)
• Detached problem solving
• The Peace Corps
• Expanded human rights
• Taking responsibility
• Keeping treaties
• The Red Cross
• Trade
• Childhood mental health
• Doctors Without Borders
• Providing basic levels of survival (food, water, shelter)
• Music (let pound the rock concerts of peace)
• Poetry (comprehending the subtleties of languages)
• Museums
• (add your own)
• (add your own)
It may seem we are stuck in
An endless cycle
Of defense by killing
Solution by war...
And although past maybe prologue,
It is not the future by decree –
We can choose to place into our carts
And pay for
Alternative means
That become the better way.
Carl Scott Harker ©2023
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My latest book of poetry for children, that adults will enjoy, too, is now available on Amazon. You can find it here: The HedgeHog and Other Selected Poems.