Peace! This poem is written in the rather-unusual pantoum style, which is
why the lines repeat again and again. I was inspired to write this after
considering the current situation in Iraq and other major conflicts around
the world, and how these are caused in part by the world's greed, as well
as undermined in the media of the "modern world" that tells us that
happiness and peace come from material gain. This is very disturbing to me
because I believe that happiness and liberation rests in us all,
satisfaction is internal, not external, and we must find it. Sabbe Sattaa
Sukhi Hontu... may all beings be happy. And may we never put our desires
above the lives and well being of others.

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While I close my eyes and meditate
The world is screaming with greed and pain
In my own silence I sit, elate
As others war for physical gain

The world is screaming with greed and pain
Over and over dark clouds surround
As others war for physical gain
Again and again love is not found

Over and over dark clouds surround
Permeating fog of fallen bomb
Again and again love is not found
Reckless pattern never brings calm

Permeating fog of fallen bomb
Young cries of anguish slashing through air
Reckless pattern never brings calm
As one who longs for a wealth not there

Young cries of anguish slashing through air
"I want, I need, the money is mine!"
As one who longs for a wealth not there
Jewels that won't die, unable to find

"I want, I need, the money is mine!"
Exchange blood for oil, love for pain
Jewels that won't die, unable to find
Choosing gold over peace without shame

Exchange blood for oil, love for fame
Working themselves to a greedy death
Choosing gold over peace without shame
Just buying until nothing is left

Working themselves to a greedy death
Is this the best treasure to be earned?
Just buying until nothing is left
Is this great happiness to be learned?

Is this the best treasure to be earned?
In my own silence I sit, elate
Is this great happiness to be learned?
While I close my eyes and meditate.