If I wore a coat of ignorance like armor,
If I spread the bile of hate on my planting ground,
I could never feel the wind of doubt to school me
or taste the corn of mercy and respect.
If I grew a crop of trust between my neighbors,
If I wove a shawl of kindness and compassion,
I could feast in peace with all my brothers and sisters.
I could leave the windows open when I sleep.
If the summer rain falls on both friends and enemies,
If the fire burns trash or pine or ebony,
It won't matter if there is no god to save them.
Their blood and tears are precious gems to me.
If the houses that we build have sheltered doorways,
If the path to those portals are lined with chicory,
The blueness of those flowers will shout a welcome.
My hearth is all the world to give you rest.