Under the same sun

artwork by Cris Coe - used with permission

We had a day of reflection at church on Saturday, a time of mostly silent prayers for peace, with a particular focus on what is happening in Gaza and Ukraine.

I find it hard to remain silent and still, after a while I resorted to getting my notebook and pen from my bag – I am first and foremost a writer.

But what can I write when my knowledge of these countries is so sparse?

As I watched the sunlight shine through the stained-glass windows, illuminating Jesus looking down, this is what I wrote…

Under the Same Sun

It must have been so lovely there

sunny, where the oranges grew,

The gentle buzz of bees

making honey

And here – a land of sunflowers

reflecting glory

golden wheatfield swaying in a gentle breeze

Gentle is no more,

And I realise how inadequate are my imagined images

of places I have never visited or seen

Except now

on the TV and in the news

war torn

desolate

grey and charred

under a harsh sun.