A poem written in biblical verse in the aftermath of 9/11, accompanied with digital paintings of my photographs. There is no religious reference in the poem.

1. Blessing of Peace
Art & Verse By: Linda J Austin
Copyright 2001
Originally published in Clever Magazine as part of the
Tragedy Papers

2. I do not want
the peace
that passes
understanding,
I want
the understanding which
brings peace.
Helen Keller

3. When all about you
is chaos, clouded with
concern, remember the
ones who love you and look
within for the deep peace
that will bring forth healing
gifts to you, deep peace runs
in the waves to you as earth
and sky pour their healing
gifts on you.

4. When sadness settles
and you walk aimlessly,
seek refuge as deep peace
meets in the mist with you
and look within for the deep
peace that will bring forth
healing gifts for you. Deep
peace rustles in the leaves
for you, deep peace holds out
a hand to you as earth and
sky pour their healing gifts
on you.

5. When you are afraid
to face the reasons and you
can’t bear to hear the truth,
listen, as deep peace sings in
the wind and look within for
the deep peace that will
bring forth healing gifts for
you. Deep peace trickles
over rocks to you, deep
peace falls in the rain to you,
as earth and sky pour their
healing gifts on you.

6. When you have lost
all that is treasured,
retreat to that sacred place,
where deep peace shines
like a star and look within
for the deep peace that will
bring forth healing gifts for
you. Deep peace tells what
is true for you, deep peace
breathes from on high for
you as earth and sky pour
their healing gifts on you.

7. When faith wanes and
you feel abandoned by
country, family or friend,
feel the deep peace of the
sun’s warmth and look
within for the deep peace
that will bring forth healing
gifts for you. Deep peace
floats in a cloud to you, deep
peace walks all the way with
you as earth and sky pour
their healing gifts on you.

8. When war and strife
beset you, when everything
and nothing, has changed,
follow, as deep peace lights
the way and look within for
the deep peace that will bring
forth healing gifts for you.
Find peace deep as the oak
tree’s strength and the oceans
deep, let earth and sky pour
their healing gifts on you.

9. When all about you is
chaos, clouded with
concern, remember the ones
who love you and look
within for the deep peace
that will bring forth healing
gifts for you. Deep peace is
always with you as earth and
sky pour their healing gifts
on you.
Deep Peace
Deep Peace to you