colored tiles of every hue
arranged in patterns so intricate
that senses are thrown off-kilter.
Woven scenes of nature, history,
lovingly, painstakingly crafted,
adorning buildings, walls, the
very floor beneath one's feet.
The culture is a world away,
beliefs contrary to our own,
attitudes abhorrent to our thinking
customs counter to what we may
hold dear, but if only for the beauty,
we are blessed that they are here.
If we could but cast aside the other
matters, sit upon a rug together
sipping Turkish coffee in tiny
crystal cups discussing color,
tessellation, triumph of design
instead of all destructive acts
throughout respective pasts,
we might more likely rise and
walk away with something closer
to an understanding, something
civilized and beautiful and clear.
(c) Ellen Gillette, 2013
On a trip to Turkey years ago, I was so impressed with the intricate Islamic artwork in places where one wouldn't expect to find artwork at all...spots of beauty just for the sake of having spots of beauty. It is easy to get caught up in animosity toward things, countries, people groups, when we equate them with hatred and violence, but there are always positive things as well, if we'll take the time to look.
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