For Our World
by Mattie Stepanek
We need to stop. Just stop. Stop for a moment… Before anybody Says or does anything That may hurt anyone else. We need to be silent. Just silent. Silent for a moment… Before we forever lose The blessing of songs That grow in our hearts. We need to notice. Just notice. Notice for a moment… Before the future slips away Into ashes and dust of humility. Stop, be silent, and notice… In so many ways, we are the same. Our differences are unique treasures. We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts To nurture, to offer, to accept. We need to be. Just be. Be for a moment… Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting, Like children and lambs, Never judging or vengeful Like the judging and vengeful. And now, let us pray, Differently, yet together, Before there is no earth, no life, No chance for peace.
Mattie J.T. Stepanek © September 11, 2001
Hope Through Heartsongs Hyperion, 2002 Just Peace: A Message of Hope Andrews McMeel, 2006
Mattie Stepanek was 11 years old when he wrote this poem on the day of 9-11.
During Mattie’s ‘almost 14 years’ of life, he penned seven NY Times bestselling books of Heartsongs poetry and peace essays, and served as an ambassador for many peace and disability-related organizations.
Mattie died in 2004 due to complications of a rare neuromuscular disease. You can learn more about Mattie and his foundation at The Mattie J. T. Stepanek Foundation.
Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious! Don’t forget to sign up for my e-letter and get access to all the free self-development resources (e-books, mini-guides + worksheets) in the Always Well Within Library. May you be happy, well, and safe – always. With love, Sandra
Image: Lumbini, World Peace Monastery