"hush"

as i sit in silent meditation
swirls of incense burn beside me

over and over the mantra repeats itself
until my cluttered mind is clear of all thought

make me an instrument of thy peace lord
make me an instrument of thy peace

like a white cell summoned to infection
my heart is drawn to those in need of peace

i hear brother Baghdad calling out in pain
his open wounds exposed to the world

in time his wounds will heal
for he is strong

it is his despondent soul beneath
that lies in agony without hope

restless sleep torments him
even as he dreams

taking a deep breath
i exhale through my mouth
covering him with a peaceful fog like blanket

bending down i whisper in his ear
“hush”
again I whisper “hush”

his tension dissolves into the universe
as a leaf of tea dissolves into water

for one brief moment
all was at peace

~Deborah Abdulla