There is a time when war must stop
And peace becomes the way
That poets write their hearts and minds
To reveal what they have to say.

In the world beyond blank pages
Reality is at each door.
The voices of the poets are waiting
To write the lines which implore--

That havens be left as havens
Where doves and lilies grow.
Where thoughts are expressed in comfort.
And where hearts beating flow

In words used to express
All of what is fluidly churning.
Inside the poet's sincere soul
Is the flicker of candles burning.

For each light that shines in darkness
Fills the world with brilliant stars.
The glow in unity reflects the voices
Who sing out in harmony, 'We are!'

And now I come most humbled
Bearing an olive branch to plea
That forgiveness be more than spoken
So that poetry will live and be...

A shelter in times of sorrow
A comfort in times of pain
A balm to the hurting
A place to come in out of the rain.

Some write from their hearts;
Some write from their minds;
Some write to change the world;
Some write for all mankind.

So let us lift up our silent voices
And sing out through the written word
All of our thoughts and feelings.
This is our Haven, our place to be heard. 

Kathy Lockhart