War Wounded

18 Aug 2023 | Moral Justice | 0 comments

Across our planet earth

there bleed the wounds of war,

with livelihoods destroyed

and cherished homes no  more;

the people flee,

abused and scarred

and travelling far,

poor refugees.

 

Across our planet earth

the wounds of war go deep

with generations taught

their national myths to keep.

And wealth accrues –

who make the shells

their shares do well,

they seldom lose.

 

Our damaged planet earth

a victim of our greed,

where anger, fear and hate

drown out the victims’ pleas.

When shall we see

a blessed peace,

where wars have ceased,

and unity?

 

Upon our planet earth

a prisoner hung on high;

The Powers had him killed,

the crowd yelled “Crucify”

but in his death,

that we might live

he cried “forgive”,

his dying breath.

 

Your kingdom come on earth;

may this be more than prayer,

so may we live and give

and work for justice here;

May we do right –

Lord, make us those

whose actions show

your shafts of light.

 

Peter Reiss (1962- ), Tune: My song is love unknown, John Ireland (1879-1962).

Notes from the Compiler

The author writes: 'This hymn has caused a few ripples in different ways. I have been told by some that the verse which says business can do well from war is too political, and from a very different perspective asked if the verse about Jesus is needed – (it does have a more direct echo back to “My song is love unknown”). These words also fit to the tune “Ye holy angels bright”, but is that too cheerful a tune for the words? I think that there is a need to call out the business of war, and also to ask in what way the crucifixion / execution of Jesus does impact our thinking about war and suffering. It can be done in a poem, but is it too jarring for a congregational hymn? For discussion!'

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