In God Makes the Rivers to Flow; An Anthology of the World’s Sacred Poetry & Prose, Eknath Easwaran includes a selection from Swami Paramananda entitled “O Infinite Being.” I’ve written the following poem-like reflections inspired by this selection.
Peace Blessing
May Thy peace and blessing abide with us and protect us
from all unworthy thoughts and actions.
Peace! Peace! Peace be upon all living beings.
—Swami Paramananda
Peace be upon you like a swan gliding in the water.
Peace be upon you like a leaf drifting from a tree.
Peace be upon you like a spider weaving its web.
Peace be upon you like dew glistening on the web.
Peace be upon you like sneakers lying on the grass.
Peace be upon you like a kiss on a child’s forehead.
Peace be upon you like a whisper in a library.
Peace be upon you like light filtered through stained glass.
Peace be upon you like a dab of holy water.
Peace be upon you like a monk kneeling in prayer.
Peace be upon you like salmon swimming the ocean.
Peace be upon you like a goldfish in a bowl.
Peace be upon you like a robin catching a worm.
Peace be upon you like a child riding a swing.
Peace be upon you like a stranger brushing your hand.
Peace be upon you like a penny found on a street.
Peace be upon you like a grain of sand on the beach.
Peace be upon you like a bear nuzzling her young.
Peace be upon you like a dog licking your cheek.
Peace be upon you like a cat purring in your lap.
Peace be upon you like coffee brewing in its pot.
Peace be upon you like tea steeping in your cup.
Peace be upon you like a washcloth on your forehead.
Peace be upon you like a hot bath.
Peace be upon you like soaking in the sun.
Peace be upon you like a violin singing its solitary song.
Peace be upon you like a choir in a cathedral.
Peace be upon you like an organ in a church.
Peace be upon you like a heart beating.
Peace be upon you like a deep circular breath.
May peace dwell in your every step.
May peace dwell in the quiet of your mind.
May your words be words of peace.
May you live in peace.
