THE KEY TO PEACE.

I am looking up at the sky and I see dark clouds hovering, the sun no longer shines. I long for the nights but with each passing day, the nights are only getting darker and colder. I am looking around, earnestly seeking it, I have turned every stone but still, it is nowhere to be found. With each sunrise, our forefathers hope for it grew stronger and bolder, but the hand of death would mercilessly cast them into the dust before their hope could bear any fruit. My eyes have seen enough, I try to shut them but the tears and the fears will not let me, I have to keep staring.

I look around and all I see is blood, streams of innocent blood flooding the streets. I see drawn swords dripping with blood. I see clenched fists and bloody hands. I see broken and bleeding hearts. I see tears flowing down countless cheeks. I see evil hearts, restless and raging, eager to devour. I see bones trembling and eyes full of terror. I see billows of smoke. I see dust being blown away by the wind. I see stolen dreams and crushed hopes. I am seeing black and I am seeing white. I close my eyes, trying to see where the world is headed but all I see is darkness. I am forced to keep them wide open, to endure the pain.

I have tried to shield my ears with my bare hands but my hands have not stopped the cries of the innocent from piercing my heart and breaking it. I hear running and marching feet. I hear the racing and the fading hearts. I hear the cries of the helpless being ignored and those of the weak being mocked. I hear the bitter cries of innocent blood rising from the depths, calling for justice, there is no rest.

I hear the Earth groan and I can feel its foundations quake, we cannot tread on this dark path any longer. The time has come, open the door and step onto the battleground, it is time to fight. We have tried hope but over and over, hope has failed us, it is time we act. I can hear our fathers, calling from the depths, wanting to save us, death has opened their eyes.

I hear them say, “The key to peace is not the shaking of hands nor the gifting of bouquets. The key to peace is not the gathering of men nor the merging of colours. The key to peace is not lengthy speeches nor long walks. The key to peace is not bloody wars nor the raising of flags. The key to peace is not the writing of minutes nor the signing of treaties. The key to peace is not the invention of weapons nor the raising of armies, neither is it the laying down of arms. The key to peace is not the tearing down of thrones nor the formation of governments. The key to peace is not the drawing of borders nor the singing of anthems. The key to peace is not the writing of laws nor the casting of votes. The key to peace is not the laying of monuments nor the keeping of souvenirs. The key to peace is not the narration of history nor vain visions. The key to peace is not the counting of pounds nor empty promises. The key to peace is not peace itself. Son, the world knows no peace, so, stop looking, you will not find it!”

I can see you are still standing at the door, the key is in your hand but the door is still shut. You are afraid, afraid to open your heart, afraid to face yourself. But there is no turning back now, look around and all you will see is darkness, where is your safety? With the little strength and courage that you have left, turn the key. With your sword in one hand and shield in the other, step onto the battleground, eager to fight. Once in position, get on your knees and with the little faith you have left, say a prayer. Once done, get back on your feet as you let out a war cry, turn the sword on your own flesh and fight.

Fight the fears with courage, fight the hate with love, fight the selfishness with selflessness, fight the pride with humility, fight the anger with self-control, fight the vengeance with forgiveness, fight the temptations with resistance, fight the wants with gratitude, fight the jealousy with admiration, fight the lust with love, fight the perversion with purity, fight the greed with generosity, fight the impatience with patience, fight the cruelty with kindness, fight the treachery with loyalty, fight the wickedness with goodness, fight the ignorance with knowledge, fight the foolishness with wisdom, fight the lies with the truth and fight the doubts with faith.

But if you do not know when to strike, how to block or when to dodge, look up at the cross and let Him teach you how to fight the darkness, how to conquer yourself. When you hear the darkness whispering in your ears, calling your name, do not look back, keep moving, as each step gets you closer to your redemption. And when your cross becomes too heavy to bear, the arrows flying too many, blood gushes out and you fall on your knees, wanting to give up, do not! Instead, look ahead! Even though the darkness surrounds thee, let not your eyes stray from the light that draweth nigh.

And when it is time to lay down your sword, to lay down your life, having fought a good fight, you will not tremble at the sight of death, you will confidently step into His eternal love and you will be crowned with a crown of victory. You will look back and will see that the sacrifices you made, the blood you lost, the tears you cried, the sweat you poured and the pain you endured, were not in vain!

By, Musa Jumba.