It was not that Paul
wanted blue and red
to join to form purple
in America
but he prayed
that they did not become
the green and orange
of the Irish Troubles.
He wondered
if thirty years
is standard
for such disagreements
before people
become tired enough
of the bloodshed
to let go of their animosities
and practice
a generous variation
of any one of the religions
they profess to live by.
Paul searched
the calendar for a day
as auspicious as Good Friday
for an agreement
an accord to at least
listen when the other side
speaks their concerns
about their futures.
copyright © 2021 Kenneth P. Gurney
Umflop 