Peace is an ever operative will to good,
A poise, a settled attitude of calm
Reliance on the truth, which, understood,
Is irresistible and all-pervading as the balm
Of woodland scents upon the night,
Or the approaching light!
And, as the rose unfolds upon the spray,
So shall the flowers of love and gentle peace
Unfold within the consciousness of men,
And discord cease.
Imperative, resistless, is the day
Which follows dawn. Awaken, then,
And open wide the casements of your thought,
That purifying love may cleanse you free
Of strife and turmoil and of aught
That speaks of envy and of rivalry.
Peace is a never ceasing urge
To righteousness and to the regimen
Of love, which will inevitably purge
All hate and fear from out the hearts of men.
Naught is there here of languorous ease,
For Christ, to whom the rod of power is given
In earth and heaven,
Is called the Prince of Peace.
Behold Thy children, Father-Mother, God,
Around Thy knees!
With confidence we ask our heritage of good—
Oh, give us peace!
