Reconciliation

A country at war
drops bombs from feral planes
and an arsenal of hate and fear
from the media,
exploding darkness in our hearts
as well as death on their streets.

Afterwards
it is the hearts that take longest
to mend,
sheltering the shrapnel
of hostility.

Moving forward
requires recognising
the humanity and frailty
that link us,
getting down into the dust bath
of forgiveness,
lifting up the open hand
of reconciliation.

©Jane Upchurch
www.janeupchurch.co.uk