Stating My Peace

a sestina of praise, May 2009

When I was eight, I first thought of peace

I entered a contest just for fun.

Back then no need for a signed release, 

no one even knew what I had done.                    

Though my naïveté ere long would cease

I was thrilled when my piece on peace won.

What exactly was it that I won?                        

simply a doorway to state my peace.

I wrote: even if wars never cease                     

it does not mean folks cannot have fun.            

Peace is about what Jesus has done

deep down inside us to bring release.

For fifty years now, God’s held the lease

on my thinking like no other one.

Still I’m writing of what He has done -               

the ups and downs of His kind of peace.

My life is complete, filled up with fun

though God promises conflict won’t cease.

What I’ve found is that wonders won’t cease,

I hope for “THE END” - God’s press release.

Meanwhile Satan quickens his brief fun

biding time 'til he faces that One

Who is coming as the Prince of Peace.

Evil's subterfuge will come undone.

And when at last the rapture is done

life, as I've always known it, will cease.

Christ's narrow way has led me to peace,

broken the ruthless pow'r of sin's lease,

guided my footsteps, made us as one.

He has brought joy, a rare kind of fun.

Cynics get their fun by poking fun -

unrighteous indignation that's done
by badgering Christians one on one.

My praise and thanksgiving need not cease;

some sweet day, they too may sign His lease.

I've been commissioned to broadcast peace.

When what seemed like fun has started to cease,

before life is done, you'll want real release.  
Rely on the One who gives joy and peace. 

*****
written by Reason A. Poteet