When

When we can look at another and not see their skin

Or their gender

Or their tattoos

Or their piercings

Or their hairstyle

Or their personal preferences

Or their politics

Or their social status



When we can talk to another and not argue

But accept

That everyone has a point of view



When we can see a task that needs to be done

And roll up our sleeves

And pitch in

Regardless of our own status

And get something done

When we can understand the needs of another

And offer what help we can

When we can stand up for what is right

Regardless of how much

It is going to cost

Or how hard

It is to do

Or how long

It will take to accomplish

When we can stand united against a great wrong

And defeat it

Just by being its opposite

When we live by what we say

Because it is right

And the right thing

To be done

On that day

We will have peace.

–Catherine Allan [Me]