The quiet sobs that break our hearts Seem to play no part. The silent tears that stain our face Make truth hard to trace. The anguish, torment, pain, and dread Release foreboding, sadness wed. We beg, and plead, and demand to know How can war make love grow? The child alive with zest and hope Without his father must learn to cope. At night alone as thought invades Tries to imagine his Daddy laid Stretched out, exposed on the battlefield Their strength and honour he had to yield. “But Son,” he said, “from war comes peace. Well, pieces of freedom, at least.” A lonely wife has shattered dreams A lover lost in life’s crazy scheme. She contemplates the midnight sky Praying desperately that he will not die. Could she but travel through space and time Be at his bedside for God’s grace or sign. Instead her heart is heavy with pain Wondering if their lives will be joined e’er again? And the victims in these war-torn lands Innocent children touched by Evil’s cold hand. Babies suffering at the mercy of hate Wounded and dying for the power of State. Close your eyes and turn away - Do not ruin your day. Be tormented by guilt at your refusal to pray Divine mercy is needed for the Devil is at play. So when mankind’s endless tears Stain the picture, make it clear. When love still grows from fear and hate And hope is there at Heaven’s gate. We know that tomorrow is another chance To be a player in life’s colourful dance. Count not the colour, nor creed, nor race Count not the rich, nor poor, save God’s grace.