One Horizon for the New Year

At the gate of the year,

we remove our shoes—

the earth is sacred,

wounded by too many names.

From the breath of deserts

to the patience of olive trees,

the world whispers:

enough of division.

O New Year,

teach us the art of return:

return to the human face,

so we may recognize one another

beyond fear and banners.

Let peace be

not a slogan,

but a daily gesture—

bread shared,

a wound listened to.

We were made from one breath,

and to that breath we return,

different in paths,

equal in dignity.