World Peace

There is this thing we crave,
and call it world peace.
We fast and pray, both night and day,
hoping war will simply cease.

The odds I think are not that good
we’ll get it in my life—
too many secretive, conspiring minds
that benefit from strife.

If we had Aladdin’s lamp
the genie might assist.
I’m sure that he could get it done
with simple flick of wrist.

But if he’s asked to take control,
results could be austere;
in order to gain world peace
he’d make us disappear.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
January 26, 2014 at 11:14 AM
That is a good one, I will be sure not to ask for world peace the next time I am faced with a genie.
Peterson Avatar
January 26, 2014 at 11:40 AM
Thanks, Richard. Yes, be careful what you wish for.
Davis Avatar
December 30, 2013 at 8:10 AM
Mark Such a deep and moving write. It's too bad we have to wish for peace and it's not a part of daily activities. Why can't everyone just get along and stop all this useless fighting. Thanks for the great comment on my Computerized People poem
Peterson Avatar
January 14, 2014 at 7:48 PM
Sorry I missed your comments for so long on this poem. Though belated, I want to tell you how much I appreciated your visit. Hope you're doing well.
Melugin Avatar
December 5, 2013 at 6:02 PM
Mark, No truer words were ever spoken and you spoke them with a most eloquent pen! I am a fan!!
Peterson Avatar
December 7, 2013 at 12:43 AM
Chuck, thanks for your delightful comment, which I like a lot! See you soon.
Woods Avatar
November 29, 2013 at 12:11 PM
I think you're definitely right, the genie being all -knowing , and all seeing , would absolutely vanish us into thin air. I can' t say I would blame him. I loved this poem, and the surprise ending.
Peterson Avatar
November 29, 2013 at 12:34 PM
Thanks so much Jeanette. We're still here, so I guess no one consulted the genie.
Hendricks Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 11:31 PM
Hiya, Mark. A cool write on a very serious and saddening topic. May my children and theirs never have to fight against you and yours - or anybody else, for that matter. Love and peace, my friend. Licia :-)
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Thank you dear Delysia-my faraway friend.
Cosgrove Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 4:25 PM
I.m afraid so - we are always the problem Well written Brian
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 7:25 PM
Brian, good to have you visit again. I remember well your comment on my poem 'Mountains.' We can do anything, if we put our mind to it. Unfortunately, we seldom do. Thanks for your comment.
Fisher Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 3:37 PM
Enjoyed your poem and the concise lines. Peace.
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 7:22 PM
David, thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed my little rhyme. I'll see you soon.
Almurisi Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 12:51 PM
I think your great words are more power than Aladdin’s lamp they will change step by step they give us the hope thank for your highly feelings
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 7:22 PM
Wow, you've thanked me with your words so much that I can hardly bear it. We move the world one beat at a time.
Gorelick Avatar
November 25, 2013 at 8:50 PM
Im pretty sure your right. I enjoyed your work . . BG
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Hi Barbara. Maybe in a few centuries or a few more thousand years. Or if aliens come and take things over, that might do it. Glad you enjoyed this one.
Bauer Avatar
November 25, 2013 at 7:57 PM
unfortunately, i think your solution is the only one that would ever work! i enjoyed your poem very much, mark!
Peterson Avatar
November 26, 2013 at 6:23 PM
Welcome back Ilene. I had written another version where the genie actually did make us disappear. But then I had to confess that the story wasn't true. Otherwise, who could have written it?
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