Poem: Deconstructing conflict

Tension-building name-calling,

verbal threats, and intimidation

explode in violent abuse

followed by apology and remorse.

On your marks, gunfire starts

a spiralling escalation

of violent revolution.

The con in conflict

is the illusion of progress -

conflict is cyclic, violently so.

Violence begets; a fresh round of killing

in a deadly round-up of crime.

Doing time, banged up,

gagged and bound, on the inside rim

of a violent cycle.

Break the cycle,

stop, live, forgive,

create a virtuous circle,

a beneficial cycle,

heap on heads

burning coals of love

non-violently resist,

conscientiously object,

self-sacrifice, foot-washer,

servant, scapegoat, pacifist.

This poem has been inspired by Deconstructing c o nf l i c t, an art exhibition, an inter-faith lecture and an opportunity to engage with the aims of One World Week by bringing together people of different faiths and backgrounds from across Essex to share concerns about the causes of conflict, hear others' points of view and acknowledge shared values.

The art exhibition will be held in Chelmsford Cathedral on 21^st - 23^rd October 2013 (7.45am – 9.00pm, ends 3.00pm Wednesday) and will feature expansive expressionist paintings by Maciej Hoffman supplemented by related work from commission4mission artists. Maciej Hoffman is a Polish artist whose work is concerned with the trauma of all individuals and peoples who have suffered - and continue to suffer - worldwide.

The keynote speaker for our inter-faith lecture is Rabbi Herschel Gluck OBE, founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum which seeks to build bridges between Muslim and Jewish communities in the UK and around the world. The lecture will be on Tuesday 22^nd October, 7.30pm, in the Chapter House of Chelmsford Cathedral. A drinks reception will be held in the Cathedral from 6.00pm for those wishing to view the exhibition prior to the lecture.

 
These events have been organised by Chelmsford Cathedral, commission4mission and the Mid Essex Inter-faith Forum to inspire, inform and encourage more people of diverse backgrounds to come together to explore shared values and take action to build a just, peaceful and sustainable world. Our aim is to challenge stereotypes which cause conflict and empower people to live and advocate peaceful lives.

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Brian Kennedy - Put The Message In A Box.