In a street in Oslo

March 2015

One day in a street in Oslo, 

a strong ring of loving arms encircled a synagogue,

a thousand Muslims showed the world 

that in the face of the rage that comes at sunrise

and the terror that haunts the darkness of night

they were as one with all the children of Abraham,

Muslims, Christians and Jews, 

and stood united with all people of good will 

that the powers of barbarism and death 

might be overcome

by the gentle healing of universal love. 

On another day, in another street in Oslo,

another ring of arms is made, 

a Jewish ring of protection around a mosque,

and the dance of Love begins again.

How many circles of support and love are needed

to send a simple message to the world?

After the journalists have left with their cameras packed away,

how many thousands of good people must strive

to make clear their continuing compassion?

But when a sudden dancing wind moves on

it leaves behind a fingerprint on the quiet landscape,

the flood recedes but soft pools still lie

in grass once parched and bitter.

So it is in the new joy and prayers of erstwhile enemies

that new friends and new resolutions are made,

until we come at last to recognise the faith

which is the true foundation of our hope

and the bringer of everlasting love.

So may it be

Amen.

                                  Naomi