A Christmas Poem

We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves,
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:

Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.

This is excerpt from the poem, Amazing Peace, that was read by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree (2005).