The Price of Peace

In divorce and other conflicts, focus on what's important, keep an eye on the big picture, play the long game, and walk the higher road of peace.

What’s Important: photo bb borne

Divorcing spouses often find it most difficult to settle their cases when the negotiation or litigation is nearing its very conclusion. Often, as resolution gets close the conflict intensifies. Relatively small issues become cloaked in grand obstructive principles. To see over the wall of impasse, imagine daily life without conflict. And rap on!

Figure out your Price of Peace:
the most valuable 
piece of advice devised 
to help people
size-up 
and 
wise-up 
before 
their eyes shut
and close up; 

Cuz when they're standing 
so close-up 
to the close-out 
of a settlement;
it's so hard to look beyond 
embattlement 
toward betterment; 
Fear and resentment
clench tight as impediments;
Impasse stone-set
in concrete cement. 

So hear’s some 
rap-at-ya 
tap-at-ya  
rat-a-tat-chat 
to-strap-ya 
fears down, 
Set your feet down 
to solid ground, 
flip your brain around
get-ya-ta think profound, 
make decisions sound; 

It’s blasted at you kindly, 
silver bullets of finality, 
medicinal doses of reality,
aimed to restore rationality,
replenish your 
broken-up 
broken-down 
vitality.  

Yeah, 
it’s right there 
in your own pocket - 
take it out and put it on - 
a locket -  
round your neck,
tapping your heart-
a heart-locket,
unlocking the blockage, 
opening the heart’s knowledge, 
an entire college
of wisdom - 
a key-card 
unlocking the vision 
shelved inside 
the library of your heart, 
your mind, 
your gut.

Open up this holy book
and find 
the Golden Fleece -
the Price of Peace. 
Decide - 
how much are you willing to pay?
to begin today - 
to put away - 
that infected blanket 
of dank rank conflict?
The confounding abounding stank, 
Robbing your bank, 
emotional?

Consider this devotional: 
My dearest one:
Am I ready for peace?  
Can I get to that place?  
Am I ready to receive grace?
Can I imagine a tomorrow 
waking up without sorrow,
without the brutal 
barb-wired,
muck-mired,
blinding light
of fight 
in my face?  

What is it worth 
and what should I pay? 
What is fair exchange for peace? 
What’s the cash value 
of invaluable relief?  

I tell you 
it’s priceless 
when you’re lifeless - 
and easily acquired
by Giving Over 
To Getting It Over.  

So, my friends, 
ask not what your ex 
can do for you,
but what you can do 
for yourself.   
Ask, and answer:
What is my Price of Peace?