I used to pray the world forswear all wars

And for each man to love his fellow man,

That bloody swords be hammered to plough shares

And warrior oaths embrace pastoral plans;

That those now held unjustly be set free,

That pestilence not stalk the earth again,

That hunger fade to distant memories

And every storehouse bulge surfeit with grain;

These pleas ‘mongst others I did serve to heaven,

Bold ardent prayers directed by a spire

While falling tears attested, hope was given;

Where heart and soul did to pure truth aspire.

With orisons unanswered, what to say?

As god stands witness, yes… I used to pray.