A Minute for Peace by Aleta Antoinette

In a minute

the power of love can transform the world,

expand the mind and heal a nation.

A minute is enough time to take a stand;

to create peace in response to war; to take the lead;

and turn tragedy in 1963 into possibility.

In sixty seconds a man with a vision can decide that

a meal for someone seeking refuge will not only nourish his body,

but feed his soul and the souls of generations to come.

In a minute

we can remember

we all are connected by the grounds we stand on,

the seas we dive under, the air we breathe.

The Earth embraces us,

the sun warms our bodies, and nature answers,

rejuvenating and uplifting our spirit.

We are cared for and in turn we must care;

become the trustees of that which graces us with life.

When we cleanse our planet, we become open to purify humanity,

gain the gifts of clarity and serenity.

Although there are many dimensions,

we chose this one to dance upon,

to support us, to play and master our dreams.

Today we can join hands

and choose to move beyond the boundaries that divide us,

overcome the mountains that appear before us, become victorious.

Let’s part the clouds of apathy, waive the flag created with such dignity;

in this minute be awed

by the example of an amazing man from Davis City, Iowa

whose vision shines through the heavens continually

encouraging and inspiring us,

our sweet, sparkling champion, and radiant

Star of Hope.

Imagine Peace Foundation’s founder, Aleta Antoinette, authored Imagine Peace: A Year of Gifting, a collection of her poetry that honors sharing and recognizes charities across the globe.

In 2021, Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. John McConnell (March 22, 1915 – October 20, 2012) was the founder of Earth Day (https://earthdayalliance.com/earth-day-the-story/), A Minute for Peace, and Star of Hope.

Poet, writer, and Realtor Aleta Antoinette was honored to read and present this poem she wrote in honor of McConnell

in his home when he was 96 years old. John and his wife, Anna were supporters of Imagine Peace Foundation (www.imaginepeacefoundation.org).

John McConnell was a visionary and an optimist whose smile touched hearts and charmed everyone he met as he carried out his personal mission. Anna McConnell sent this poem, along with John’s documents to Swarthmore University for preservation in their Peace Studies Department.

In honor of Earth Day, please enjoy and share this poetic work of art.