“In Kipling’s Day”
In Kipling’s day in India at war,
They were advised, “If overwhelmed, before
You use your ammo, save one slug for you
To blow your head off – least that you can do –“In face of women coming on behind
Their troops, evisceration on their minds
In rage at those abusing kith and kin –
Don’t be around when vengeance-time begins.”If time enough the elapses twixt our wars,
We all forget about its blood and gore;
Remember all the stories, glory days,
Then sing our wartime anthems, heroes praise.I heard that Russian soldiers, where they win
In Ukraine, monuments to lost begin
To tear down – starved by millions in their past;
Revising history, there to cleanse at last.We are no different in our country here –
The heroes on our side, whom we hold dear –
Become our villains as the record fades
And plowshares shift in use to spears and blades.Lord, why do we still play out former ways?
Fail to mature throughout our fleeting days?
Fight for the substance of our petty crimes?
Then whitewash all, enjoying better times.Forgive us, Lord; lead on to better years;
Help us to move beyond regretful tears,
Into a time where justice can prevail
For all, not “just-us” of our fairy tales.Thanks Holy Spirit for this.
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