Truth and Peace

Aribam Surjeet Sharma *

Truth and peace are two kindred souls,
Always in the presence of one another.
We can't have one without the other.
So, we won't have graceful presence of peace
While we withhold ultimate authority to truth
In settling various clashes in the world--
A conflict here, a war there and so on.
Yes, many a time, we cry hoarse for peace,
When weighed down by wars and conflicts.
We scan the horizon for peaceful signs
As we gaze the horizon for rain clouds
When the land is devastated by draught.
But, very sadly, in the real practical world,
Truth is treated with honour by only a few,
Not all sections of people and nations .
Certain individuals, groups or nations
May put him on a very high pedestal
When his verdict serves their interests.
But other individuals, groups or nations
May pull him down from the high pedestal
When his verdict contradicts their interests.
As long as this state of affairs continues
Peace won't hear our deafening cries.
Now is the time for people and nations
To harmonize and tailor their interests
With the larger good of the whole world.
When that happens, truth will start reigning
With full authority in our world and then,
Like a ship appearing on the horizon
To stranded sailors in a deserted island,
Peace in her glory will appear on the horizon.