By Phan Tan Hai
Writing a few lines of calligraphy,
praising the Blessed One—
the ink spreads like tears,
soaking gratitude deep into the soul.
Writing a few lines of calligraphy,
an offering to Thay of Plum Village;
lifting my head, I hear a crane’s cry
calling someone’s name across the sky.
From these few lines of calligraphy,
the strokes turn into a forest of flowers,
fragrancing each verse with sweetness—
the whole sky singing Dharma songs.
--- Dedication to Thay Nhat Hanh
Noble are those who look past the sins,
For erring is human and forgiving divine.
With open arms they accept the ones astray,
Picking the seeds of hatred till they lay bare for love.
They wage wars of tranquility in the face of stagnant animosity,
Coming out with peace on their side and hope in their hearts.
They cower not to the ones who play God,
For God himself chooses to be humane each day.
They exist through generations and very many faces,
In pens, words and in the winds of change.
Promote pacifism to manifest propped universal
Ladders lifting peace levelled brotherly love linking
Unified communities unfolding utopian identities that
Magnify differences as measurements of man’s sameness
I must have peace in my life and so I create it,
my home is tranquil and wraps me up in a warm hug.
Have loved a hundred times or more and have been loved,
though some have left this world they still visit me.
Understand that some people just stay a bit, some
fade away when needed, but some have deep roots and seeds
Without mercy and compassion to give to this world,
you are but an empty shell and will just wither away.
True values, how rare...pure treasures they bear
Oh roots of grace enhance our earthly place:
On fields of PLUM sweet mercy hums
Where love's wings thrill moments that sing,
To stir new dawn on fields of PLUM
Till young stars rise ...each virtue, a kind prize
While soul finds peace through content at ease:
And understanding glows like summer rose
Four values uplift ...our life blessed by god's gift!
Peace prospers like lush greenery or clumps of robust tree
unfurl and branch out widely in justice and equality;
Love will flourish as huge clusters of plum
when we unite and cooperate, life is extremely awesome!
Understanding others’ weakness, kindness and acceptance
lifting and helping each other, progress will advance!
Mercy, compassion and grace must reign in our heart
and let spirit of brotherhood keeps us from falling apart.
In a world fraught with hatred, war and bloodshed
Mankind thirsts for abiding peace and calm
In love and harmony when we live, it’s heaven on earth.
Life may be harsh, yet be merciful, it acts as a balm.
Understand others especially the ones neglected.
Let love sedately flow like a gentle river,
Smoothing the sharp pebbles of hatred lying below.
Show mercy to fellowmen, holding them in prayer.
Let peace, love, understanding and mercy fill hearts with delight.
And bask in God’s infinite love’s cascading rays of light.
Peace is to be created by self
but not offered by any
Love generates bonding
that makes us restless and takes away peace
Understanding this divine game
unattainable for anyone
Mercy of Him only gives true happines
as it offers refuge from the vale of sorrows.
Place: 2nd
Peace wafts softly after storm with the breeze of serenity,
whispers to the ruffled mind the notion of compliance for
Love to drizzle like the summer rain on the deserted heart,
sprouting the languishing sapling of secret love where
Understanding blooms like flower even if dreams break
within besotted love where judgement morphs into
Mercy building with forgiving accord the bridge of promise,
letting the new sun rays drape the heart with fervent hues.
Plum thinking for sure goes to right conclusions with
Lights on the clean road of thinking and rethinking
Uh-huh! you are free to choose the way you would like
Men and women for sure are free to think like you
Praise the breadth of the spiritual gifts with limitless
Love that manifests to empower each other.
Uplifting unity, reminding us of God’s ultimate gift of love through Jesus’s
Mercy-ripened limbs, and sharing emotional compassion.
Profound state of self-acceptance in tranquility and harmony.
A spiritual love; learning to listen to a true loving bond
To strengthen inner peace, a humble bond to the Father.
Under His protection, when we unlock the door for Him,
We enter a meadow of scattering light of dawn, tall grass
And blooming flowers, and the serene beauty of twilight eventide hues.
Peace love understanding mercy
What words will your tongue be serving
P.L.U.M. a perfect acronym to be
For the fruit of the spirit is as tasty
Peace is sweet and serine of times
Love is not selfish it is delightful divine
Understanding with an open heart mind
Mercy given by creator to man so kind
Be like a plum both tart and sweet
Understanding peace love and mercy
Peace is God's reflection
Mirrored on a neighbor's face.
Love is a warming flame
That lights up a child's face.
Understanding is the fruit of listening
With wisdom’s faithful grace
Mercy doesn't sit on the sidelines
Waiting to get into the game.
Peace is what we strive for on this earth.
Love for one another is proof of
Understanding that each soul to the Lord has worth.
Mercy God extends to those who practice love.
P - Peace can come from enjoying this sweet fruit.
L - Love is in every firm and juicy bite.
U - Understanding we can eat fresh, dried, jam or as brandy to enjoy.
M - Mercy me, how fun can a plum be in any form.
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