The usual calculations
have been made, chess pieces
trotted out, arrayed,
leaders on at least one front
secretly dismayed  –
here we go again

But it could be that many hearts
are ready to see an new thing,
it could be that they’re able
to cease to be the pawns.
It could be there’s a way
for everyone to be surprised
to see a different, peaceful, way unfold.

©Wendy Mulhern
February 25, 2022