FOR OUR WORLD
We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment…
Before anybody
Says or does anything
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment…
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment…
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice…
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment…
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.
By Mattie J.T. Stepanek
September 11, 2001
From the book, Heartsongs
Published by VSP Books
Alexandria, Virginia
Young Mattie's struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy caused him to have wisdom and insight beyond his years. Although Mattie died on June 22, 2004, his poems about life and death, love, faith, hope, and joy will remain an inspiration to others.
Thank you so much for sharing this poem on your website. I began a "For Our World Campaign" this fall, with hope of having this poem published on websites and bulletin boards around the world by the 10th anniversary of 9/11/2001. Mattie believed that we should seek to rebuild, rather than seek revenge. This poem is a gentle, yet powerful reminder, of the choices each of us can make for our world, and for peace.
ReplyDeleteJeni Stepanek ("Mattie's mom").
www.mattieonline.com