What War?

The poem below provides the text set in the choral work, What War? It includes literal quotes from as well as allusions to passages in the Koran, the Talmud and the Bible. (Literal quotes are identified.) The poem is a passionate plea for all to find peace and reject war.

This death without a cause
Shall be held up in shame
Our eyes tire with sight of ground's lost soul
Strange tears fall from the sky above.
Who mourns this loss so great?
Sun comforts her
With  rainbows

Life gushes on the rocks
Just  one drop  
Just one  flood
'Do not kill your children for
Fear of want'                                                             ( Koran - Sura 17:31)

This death without a cause
Shall be held up in shame
Our eyes tire with sight of ground's lost soul
Strange tears fall from the sky above.
Who mourns this loss so great?
Sun comforts her
With  rainbows

Neither Arab nor Jew,          (Altos:   Let them forgive and overlook- Sura 24:22)
Sunni nor Shia,
For we're one humanity.
Power is not important:
Love your enemies -
So says the book.
At least wish them a peace.

This death without a cause
Shall be held up in shame
Our eyes tire with sight of ground's lost soul
Strange tears fall from the sky above.
Who mourns this loss so great?
Sun comforts her
With  rainbows

Is this heart of mine sufficient sacrifice
To pay for these eternal wants?
My tears may fall but don't cleanse away the memories

The more charity, the more peace                  (Talmud)
The more peace, the more mercy
The more mercy, the more grace
The more grace, the more light
The more light the more life.

This life with a true cause
Shan't be held up in shame
For the hero makes an enemy a friend     (Hebrew proverbs)
Show us the straight way                                   (Koran  Sura 1)
The path where rainbows glow
Let old feuds fade and new life flow.

© Asha Parkinson 2015

 ‘Understanding Asha’s What War? lyric - a ‘thinks’ sheet for children.' Click here