Life on the Edge

My intention today was to write about the fur seal that swam within meters of me this past Saturday with a grace and ease that I could only wish for. I changed my mind the first time when, this afternoon, I accidentally came upon a wombat in broad daylight and, seeing his comical gait, wanted to share the gratitude I felt in knowing that the numbers of these delightful, walking sacks of concrete were increasing.

But, it was seeing the Peace Spiral reflected in the pond just at dusk that I knew what I needed to write about. It was seeing its reality distorted and made to appear transitory that I was made to ponder on how difficult the achievement of peace really is. Not because it isn't possible, but because there is a shortage of leaders with the vision to lead us to peace. Consider the following and ask yourself if these words could be spoken by any of our political candidates today as they make their way across the country seeking our votes. "Let no man pull you so low as to hate him. Always avoid violence." "If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in your struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos." These words were spoken by Martin Luther King in a sermon delivered nearly 50 years ago. In this election year, are there any politicians who have the insight King possessed? Are there any governments courageous enough to "give peace a chance"? May I suggest that when voting day arrives, we cast our votes to those candidates prepared to work for peace in ways other than pre-emptive strikes.