Reflections of A Solitary Peace Protester

[babylonsister]

http://www.diatribune.com/node/952

Reflections of A Solitary Peace Protester
Submitted by Betsy L. Angert on Sun, 05/06/2007 - 14:11.

* peace



"Standing on the corner watching all the girls go by." I recall the tune; it rings in my head as I position myself at the intersection. I plunk myself there each Saturday pleading for peace. Today was the second time that I stood alone. The other protesters remained across the street.

snip//


I often wonder, if warriors were to meet and greet each other as individuals, not as enemies, if they were to see the face of their foe would they be able to shoot, to maim, or murder this person? Might the human being, a few feet from them, be more real, if they could or would look into their eyes.

Exchanging glances, being aware of the gestures, and allowing yourself to connect in an authentic way is so very powerful. It is so pleasurable.

Perchance, if combat did not take place on fields, if soldiers did not bare arms, but held signs, or spoke softly, the quality of the exchange would change. If the troops stood toe-to-toe and gazed into the visage of those they disagree with, might they chat before they bomb each other to smithereens.

Oh to think, if our adversaries had a face, a place in our heart, might the world be a more peaceful delightful space. If only, we would try to engage rather than do battle. Iraqi, Afghanis, and Americans alike could stand on the corner, serenely, sanguine, watching all the girls and guys go by.