the truce

the swords are put away.
the murmurs cease.
the dead have a way
of quieting things,
at least for now.
there will be more time
later
to continue
the war between
families.
but what a nice
reprieve to see it
end for just a moment.
everyone standing and singing
along with the priest,
having sandwiches
and cake in the hall
outside the church,
a short walk
down the street.