Standing for Peace, Unity, and Love

In 1983, I was stationed at Hahn Air Force Base in West Germany. At that time, East Germany was still part of the Soviet Bloc, but tensions had started to calm down. In fact, our biggest threats came from terrorists. We were all aware of the Baader-Meinhof Gang, also known as The Red Army, and their bombing attacks. Plus, in that same year 241 service men were killed by Hizballah terrorist in Beirut, Lebanon. The bombing sparked a strengthening of security on the bases.

 I mention all of that to give you a backdrop for a poem that I wrote during that time, which seems especially fitting as we face new threats and uncertainties.

 The Knight Rides

The knight rides through the dark,

Upon his sturdy steed.

Never straying from his course,

Destruction is his deed.

Soon his voice will sound like thunder,

And our world will shake.

His sword is swift, and with a flash

Many lives he’ll take.

He doesn’t care whom he kills,

Man, woman, or child,

And all the world will feel

As if we’ve been defiled.

The world will be burning,

With no one left to care.

Darkness will befall us,

With no one left to spare.

This evil knight keeps coming,

Astride his metal horse.

Is there no one to stop him,

And stray him from his course?

 So, that has been on my mind lately. Threats are escalating between the countries, and it seems like we may be on the verge of World War 3. Let us pray that will not happen. I do not believe most people want things to come to that. I would love to see a world where people support and love each other, instead of being dragged into conflict.

 As Christians, we need to set the example for the rest of the world. By uniting in support of others, praying for our leaders and for peace, we can show the world the true meaning of Christian love and compassion. Let us be like the good Samaritan, offering help to strangers without question. Though we may not be able to change everyone’s heart, we can start with our own actions.

Have a blessed day.

Layman Ray