When I, this flesh and blood, shall die;
Yet—only if it pleases thee—
My soul may find posterity.
Amidst the rubble and the dust
Nimrud has fallen: men unjust
Level her towers, the news reports
As arrogance with greed cavorts.
A crime against humanity,
The soul of man, and also thee
Has been destruction of the past
Though ruins may not forever last.
How misbegotten that example
Which did all previous praxis trample—
Yet too thy holy word and creed
Men make accomplish many a deed.
"Destruction is an easy vice"
Replacing art with artifice
Yet even as the storm clouds gather
In life I do assert thee, Father.
The world we know comes crashing down
As men cavort without a frown
Except the helpless none can save—
My partners soon within the grave.