word

oh
I don’t know
the word should be
love
shouldn’t it
our shibboleth
perhaps
a password to know
the enemies
in our camp
to send them back
with a regret
if they
won’t join
with us

there is a battle
sad to say
a sortie
in a war
a war of ages
that began
who knows when

well
who on this
side
knows

is heaven’s rebellion
happening now
in fact
have a third
of angels
fallen
only recently

one third
waging war
as if to win
goaded by their chief
no doubt
to believe it
or
to act that way

and
love could stop the war
could stop all wars
if we could
bring it
to the table
and we can

it’s both
strong
and risky
to present
while those across might
react
with repudiations
then
bring their weapons out
from
hiding places
over hills
nearby

but it’s also
the only way
the only
way
that sticks

the only way that leads
to water
and to food
to shelter
and to safety

a
cessation
of hostilities
that will allow
if not incite
the
saving measures

allowing
peace
whether or not
it passes understanding
a Mispah benediction
clasping
without weapons
on
or close
and better
without weapons
in the mind

the war is over
who has won
invisible God
has won
the one who will
not gloat
or exact
spine-breaking
reparations

but will direct
the world
to rebuild itself
with help
from the angels
who are angels

for love
does this
love
does all of this
I learn this late
we learn this late
but there is time
for some
and more
in time we have
and time
beyond
time

love without
conditions
since there is too much
time
on the other side
(once there)
these

so do our best
for now
let love
be love
and to impose
with hope
and without
strategy
(consider the war
above)
or expectation

love
the word
and then the word
amen

c l couch


photo by Feliphe Schiarolli on Unsplash