Bicentenary Poems and Prose

The Candles of Unity: To 'Abdu'l-Baha

The Candles of Unity:
To 'Abdu'l-Baha

Inspired by https://www.bahai.org/r/141202836. The candles of unity--mentioned in Selections for the Writing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, 15--are (1) "unity in the political realm", (2) "unity of thought in world undertakings", (3) "unity in freedom", (4) "unity in religion", (5) "unity of nations", (6) "unity of races", and (7) "unity of language".

Seven light flicker
on the table of unity
their flames growing brighter
with each gust
of the winds of opposition.

Each flame revealing--
to the eyes of human kind--
the prerequisites
for world peace.

1

A consensus
of action across
party lines.

2

Cooperation
in solving planetary problems,
such as climate change
or worldwide pandemics.

3

Every person on Earth
having equity
of freedom.

4

Religious harmony,
through the recognition
of the common foundation
of all religion.

5

World unity,
through the cooperation
of each nation
in the United Nations.

6

Acceptance of humanity
as a single species.

7

A common language,
spoken by everyone on Earth,
in addition to
people's native tongue.

Poet's Note: ▼

This is poem #88 in the 100 I am writing for the Centenary of the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha.