“An Elegant Response to War”
how do I respond to war
with elegance and grace
when I know the pain and suffering
of my fellow human race
am I wrong to revel in
the warmth and hope of spring
to laugh and dance and celebrate
the joy that living brings
do I fill my days quite blissfully
with love and peace and light
do I still thank God for all the things
that bring me such delight
is it enough to stay informed
and weep and sigh and pray
to shake my head and make a wish
for peace to come one day
how do I respond to war
with elegance and grace
would it be okay to greet the day
with a smile upon my face?
-Alicia Woodward
Read Alicia’s previous poems for Ukraine:
“With the Strength of Snowdrops” https://thesimpleswan.wordpress.com/2022/03/02
“War Can Turn to Peace” https://thesimpleswan.wordpress.com/2022/03/09
“Innocence” https://thesimpleswan.wordpress.com/2022/03/16
“There never was a good war or a bad peace.” – Benjamin Franklin
The Simple Swan 
Beautifully written. Yes, we must look and pray for hope with a smile. Smiles are not selfish, they also radiate hope. 😊.
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Judy. I knew you’d understand what I was trying to express. It’s so heartbreaking, but we have to keep looking for the beauty in life and in each other. ❤
LikeLike