Building bridges

Let us build bridges, said he,

to cross rivers and canyons

and cables to span ocean floors,

Telstar to traverse the vast expanse

of the skies.

We built bridges

And shook hands.

Last night we met,

My friend and I,

Two wars old.

Said I to him, Let us build bridges

to cross rivulets of blood,

canals of hate,

canyons of prejudice

and furrows of pain.

He shook his head

And shook his fist.