Finally there is hope for peace,
Our greatest expectations are getting higher.
From gentle hands a dove gracefully flew into the sky.
Captured by the ceasefire.
After thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland,
All the troubles have passed.
The rebirth of a long lost love has arrived,
People are now reaching out at last !
It’s been a long journey from conflict to compromise,
On the road to injustice.
Often the twists and turns are unavoidable,
Around each bend the dove continues to fly,
From North to South without rest or end.
I pray the dove may land and make a home
On the rooftops of my city Belfast.
The future cannot escape and we must hold both hands open
As the dove flies past.
There is no justice in what has been,
There is only forgiveness in what will be.
Then there is a chance we can all live together
In one peaceful community.
For God sake, lets give peace a chance.
The olive branch has to be watered by us all.
A dove in one hand is better than a gun.
Spread your broken wings against the wall.
Search your heart for the words you cannot say.
Trust your enemies and those who hate you.
The doves song is the same to them,
But listening at times is very hard to do.
To hold the dove in your hand is to understand,
Peace is in your hand.
Don’t crush it.
Let it fly home to be with another.
The world where we live is just a short flit .

By Paul McCann