December Dreamtime

when the last mercenary

hangs up his rifle,

and the last cannon

is returned to the store.

when the final wicked

warhead is dismantled,

and the last great king

decrees an end to war.

when the last soldier

abhors the act of killing,

and the last parent

mourns for a fallen son.

when the last rusted sword

is hammered into a ploughshare,

- peace on earth

- and goodwill to all men.

©Mike Subritzky

New Zealand

"Art of Peace Showcase" 2000