As violence spreads like a wild fire throughout Israel and the Palestinian lands, as complex as the underlying causes are, we can still look to Jerusalem as metaphor and as a dream for what might be. Here are my thoughts today with prayers that violence may cease, that Palestinian and Israeli may begin talking again leading to two states for two peoples, security and peace for each other.

4 Quarters of Jerusalem

Jewish – Muslim – Christian – Armenian

Is a beating heart

All must be healthy and safe

For the whole to live and thrive

And if one is suppressed – or two – or three

The fourth isn’t safe or whole

All must beat alongside the others

Equal and engaged with each other

In dignity and with respect for the other

In deference and concern for all

That Shalom may be also Salaam

Whole!