If thou canst but thither, There grows the flower of Peace, The Rose that cannot wither, Thy fortress and thy ease.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the idea that true peace is a timeless and unchanging quality that brings comfort and security.
Henry Vaughan's quote reflects the belief that achieving inner peace is essential for a strong and secure life. The 'flower of Peace' symbolizes a serene state of being that remains unaffected by external turmoil, akin to a fortress providing safety and ease to those who possess it. The imagery of a rose, which is often associated with beauty and tranquility, reinforces the notion that inner peace is both precious and enduring.
In practice
During a meditation session, I shared a thought on finding peace in our hectic lives using Vaughan's quote.
Man hath still either toys or care: But hath no root, nor to one place is tied, but ever restless and irregular, about this earth doth run and ride. He knows he hath a home, but scarce knows where; He says it is so far, that he has quite forgot how to go there.
As they used to say 'What if they gave a war and nobody came?' How worthwhile if they declared a day of peace and everybody came.
Out yonder they may curse, revile, and torture one another, defile all the human instincts, make a shambles of creation (if it were in their power), but here, no, here, it is unthinkable, here there is abiding peace, the peace of God, and the serene security created by a handful of good neighbors living at one with the creature world.
I am for peace. And I am for a negotiated peace. But this accord is not a just peace.
There are some who've forgotten why we have a military. It's not to promote war, it's to be prepared for peace.
Humanity needs to see these gestures of peace and to hear words of hope and peace!
In the name of peace_x000D_ _x000D_ They waged the wars_x000D_ _x000D_ ain't they got no shame
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