Michael Appelt

This poem is a call for unity in a world divided by pride, labels, and self-interest.

It reminds us that all our problems — from war to hunger to environmental collapse — share one root: our separation from one another.

Through vivid imagery and honest reflection, “People of the World, Unite” invites us to remember who we are meant to be — caretakers, not conquerors; peacemakers, not profiteers.

Let love be the law that binds us, the light that leads us home. And let our reflections of the heart and mind lead us into each other’s arms.

We built walls where bridges should stand, drew lines where rivers once ran free.

We let others name us, box us, brand us, until we forgot that every pulse beats to the same drum.

We turned mirrors into idols, posed and posted our own reflections while the world burned quietly beyond the frame.

We taught our children to follow our image — not our wisdom.

Now the years bend our backs, and we look to those we raised, asking softly: will you care for us, as we failed to care for one another?

The earth groans beneath our weight, its soil tired, its oceans aching. It will not pray for mercy— it will shake us from its skin, as a dog shakes off its fleas.

How will we feed the hungry? How will we still the bells of war? What will remain of us when the shaking stops?

There is but one way forward — not through power, but through peace. Not through conquest, but through compassion.

People of the world, unite. Let love be the law that binds us, the light that leads us home.

Let our reflections of the heart and mind lead us into each other’s arms.