In Times of Peace by John Agard

In "In times of peace," John Agard wonders how people, who are used to violence and war, will adjust to a peaceful life. He questions how fingers, feet, hearts, arms, ears, and eyes will adapt to a world without conflict. Will they struggle with the gentle touch of a hug, the comfort of a bubble bath, or the absence of adrenaline? Will they mourn the loss of weapons and be startled by silence? Agard raises thought-provoking questions about the challenges of transitioning from war to peace. In times of peace by John Agard, that finger, index to be exact, so used to a trigger's warmth, how will it begin to deal with skin that pretends only to embrace? Those feet, so at home, in heavy boots and stepping over bodies, how will they cope with a bubble bath when foam is all there is for ambush? And what of hearts in times of peace? Will war-worn hearts grow sluggish, like valentine roses wilting, without the adrenaline of a bullet's blood rush? When the dust of peace has settled on a nation, how will human arms handle the death of weapons? And what of ears? Are ears so tuned to sirens that the closing of wings causes a tremor? As for eyes, are eyes ready for the soft dance of a butterfly's bootless invasion?