Women of Peace (for Charito)

By Eddie Blatt

It was the early eighties and I had befriended a Filipino Catholic nun who was very much involved in helping those in the Philippines adversely affected by the dictatorial Marcos regime. She invited me to stay for a weekend in a small flat in her nunnery that had been put aside for visitors. I had just split up with my then wife and took the opportunity for much-needed solitude and contemplation. I wanted to repay her for her kindness, so although I did not share her beliefs I wrote the following poem as if I was seeing things through her eyes.

Women of peace come take my hand,
through God help me to understand
the inner pain that will not rest;
the ball and chain within my breast.

Women of love show me the way
to free myself from want each day;
to find the Lord through hope and prayer,
through kindly deeds and tender care.

Women of joy please share my sorrow
for broken lives that fall tomorrow;
for every soul that's lost its way,
for every dream in disarray.

Women of peace, come take my hand
and lead me to the promised land,
where lion and lamb are born together,
and you and I can rest forever.