dreaming in the dark night

i am squatting next to a small girl
squatting next to an old woman
squatting in the ruins

everything is ruins as far
as we can see but
we are looking
at a tiny bud growing

if everyone in the world
gives it a drop
of water it will survive,
the old woman whispers

if everyone in the world
chooses peace, it will grow
says the small girl

if everyone in the world
loves each bud,
we will find hope, i whisper

we are holding hands
we are singing
someone is joining in
we are standing
together
hand in hand
tears to tears
wound to wound
heart to heart
and it is humanity

Paula Green
26 October 2023