pace (preposition)

i do not think i am by nature vain
i do not consider myself
as better or brighter or righter

but i confess with some distress
i do not understand how some
justify their positions driven by suspicions

i feel i have lost some i have called friend
to ideals more fierce than mine
and though i respect their fervor
i seek a different way

the world we both see falling
and i would save some bit and use it
work from within as i cannot see how
to change the world from without

pace the righteous warrior in his rage,
i think there is still a gentler way in this day and age

and yet, and yet, and yet

and neither my way nor my friend's
seems to make those we both oppose
to yield or change or even bend