Poem October 1, 2005

A prayer for four young men

Brian Blandford

Originally appeared on spirituality.com

Written in response to the July 2005 terrorist bombings in London.

Dear Father of us all, we know that they
Can’t start a loop of terror, vengeance, woe.
They tried—with motives high but led astray
By evil subtlety—they did not know:
Father, please forgive them, for they knew not what they did.

These thoughts lay dormant, biding yet their day,
And filled unwary minds from wells of hate.
Perhaps their inmost being bid them stay
Their hands from this—but reason came too late.
Father, help us see more clearly evil can’t be hid.

And let us all be vigilant, lest evil should us tempt
To nurse a grudge against our fellow man,
Which detonates as prejudice, resentment or contempt
To undo all the good Your hand began.
Father, help us all to do just what You bid.