In these times of war
        how precious is silence
language is overrated
        words words words
when what we want
        is human warmth
a gentle touch
        a relaxed smile
for time to flow
        uninterrupted by
extraneous sound

In these times of war
        it’s love that will
pull us through
        and the courage
that love brings
        to our hearts and
to our resolve
        for birds to return
to the city centre
        for palpable peace
to reign
        in the silence

John Lyons