War and Peace
The sky was clear to the east. All you could see were fluffy white clouds in a clear field of blue.
To the west, the sky was different. Ominous thunder clouds, bright flashes of treacherous lightning amid ever-increasing darkness.
These two forces of nature met above them as they had countless times before – War and Peace.
“You look a bit flustered, my friend, more so than usual,” War said.
“And you look as cheerful as ever,” was Peace’s reply.
“And why shouldn’t I? “War retorted, “Gaza, Ukraine, unrest in so many countries – the right vs. the left, climate and vaccine deniers. Who could ask for anything more?”
Peace remained quiet for a moment. “You know this has all happened before. It’s the cycle of our existence.”
This time, it was War’s turn to pause.
Peace continued, “Just think, we’re heading towards world annihilation. What would become of us if that were to pass?”
“I would survive, and you would not,” War said.
“But what would you feed on then? Who would you interact with when I’m gone? It’s a very lone way to exist and die.”
The thought of being alone and dying hit War hard. “We can’t let that happen,” was his imploring cry.
“Then you must give way,” Peace demanded. “Let some violence cease. Let there be some sense of order and intelligence. Don’t leave it up to the rich and powerful.”
“And let the children decide?” War asked, “Unheard of. The rich and aged rule and decide!”
Peace was quick to react, “And where has that left us? – On the brink of the end for both of us.”
Was a compromise reached? Did an impasse occur? Are they leaving it up to us to decide our own fate?
There is nothing left of the transcript of this meeting.
Time will tell.
