Though dead, these grains of wood, as skeins
unfold, with hands as kites, in prayer wave;
a wind of words, a wish across the plains,
“Please save the world from hate don’t make us slaves
in eye for eye revenge, don’t put the blame
on neighbor’s faith, don’t turn cities into graves”.
The timber of the cottage moans, replies:
“It’s up to you, forgive before you die”
From Skansen
Corey gives us a wonderful scene, to make us wish at toads. I thought I’d go and ask an old cottage for advice just as Corey suggests.
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Powerful closing, Bjorn and I love the perspective it arrives from.
This is my response to recent events too – that we not fall into the eye for an eye, which only leads to too many sightless…..to rise above and to do better. Awesome write, Bjorn.
Solid advice from the timber
How sad it would be to die withholding forgiveness, nurturing hatred. That old wood is wise indeed.
Hey Bjorn–wonderful sentiments here–and well and succinctly expressed. Thanks. k.
so very compelling
Direct communication with the spirit of the wood, the soul of the cabin, Nature it/herself sharing wisdom; great & imaginative take on the prompt, brother.
It’s up to us. I hope we are up for the challenge… for forgiving is far harder than anger, it seems.
Forgiveness built such a cottage—how else could it defy time? And its lintel message here is such a one for the time. Fear not all who enter here, but love … a sustaining hearth for the heart.
“don’t turn cities into graves”–that sems to be something we excel at, however. My heart is at one with this desire, so eloquently expressed.
“Please save the world from hate don’t make us slaves
in eye for eye revenge, don’t put the blaim
on neighbor’s faith, don’t turn cities into graves”.
A worthy prayer.
Powerful words Bjorn.
This is warm and wise and wonderful.
This is so powerful, Bjorn. I really appreciate the message.
Perfect.
Oh, you don’t know how I needed this. I am dealing with something I haven’t been able to forgive. I hope your words will bring me a little closer to it.
“Forgive before you die” A great mantra. A even better one… “Forgive so that you might live.” Enjoyed you poem!
Perfect and timely write … mankind tends toards revenge … ergo the ancient counsel for forgiveness, without which no community can exist … whether we like it or not, we are now a world-wide community and we much learn to live together with our beautiful differences .. or perish.
I love the phrase “grains of wood”… and the speaker’s wish is perfect. I wish for its realization. ♥
The old wood is worth listening to. Well done, Bjorn — Suzanne
What a clever use of the prompt. You are a hell of a writer Bjorn, I really like the way you almost weave rather than write. There is always a textured feel to your writing, and it adds dimension and depth. Loved this a lot, thanks for writing for the prompt, I appreciate it!!!
So enjoyed reading this timely piece.
Ah – if those walls could talk (though humankind’s track record for heeding thoughtful advice is pretty dismal). “don’t turn cities into graves” – a chilling admonition.