One Great Bruise

One great bruise

Hues of purple and green,

One caused by violence

Of fists against flesh

Others by the brutality

Of words screamed and shouted

At bowed heads

Pain inflicted

Needing healing

That has yet to come

One great bruise

Delivered by uncaring hands

One great bruise, colorless but deep

Delivered by tongues on fire

That care not what pain they inflict

Who bears the shield

That would protect?

Where the arms

With tender embrace

To comfort and to heal?

Come forth!

Come forth!

You’re needed now

Let brutality fall away

And peace reside