“From the Desk Of…” challenges the dominant narratives about international peace and security by sharing notable quotes, anecdotes, prose and poems about women, peace and security. These are tidbits that float across my desk from time to time. Do you have something you would like to share from your desk? Drop me a line!
This short poem by sufi saint and poet Rabia of Basra (c.717-801) in translation from Daniel Ladinsky’s book Love Poems from God, offers a timely and wise voice for men and women today. Although Rabia was abused from an early age she still became one of the most influential women saints and poets. This poem is easy to understand but hard to do.
Our Beauty
Live with dignity, women, live with dignity, men.
Few things will more enhance our
beauty as
much.
