Now hell is here

Now hell is here, and words are cheap,

a bloodied sheet, a shattered bed…

as women, men and children weep,

while prayer is silent, felt not said.

 

With seeds of vengeance sown not sought,

while roots in hearts of flesh, not stone,

bring carnage traced with quiet thought

as guilt will fester none will own.

 

And distantly, in muffled sighs,

of deep regret and dark despair

we wring our hands and harbour lies,

dare not admit the blame we share.

 

© Andrew Pratt 17/10/2023

Suggested tune: ROCKINGHAM