I Long for the Time

I long for the time when the earth began

When there was peace on earth and love between men;

The time before there were men like Cain

Who introduced the scourge of murder for gain.

But time has changed the state of man

And human life is no longer worth a damn.

The papers reek of war and death

And I am raising children in the midst of this mess.

I want my boys to learn to love their brother,

That with hate and vengeance they should not bother;

I want them to respect others rights,

Not flex their muscles and start a fight.

I want them to know that when people disagree

They can still live together in harmony;

I want them to have faith in a real, loving God

And not be swayed by the tempters rod.

But television glorifies the use of might

And makes heroes of those who win the fight;

Love and respect don't draw the crowds

Which help Hollywood build mansions in clouds.

The wars, which around the world are fought,

Only bring the golden rule to naught;

And with perversion in their thoughts and greed on their minds

Religious leaders epitomize the demise of mankind.

So, what to do?  I ask myself,

And no answer comes to mind

But to show my boys the way to love

And teach them to be kind.

And while the media floods with despair

I'll get down on my knees and pray

That my boys will rise above it all,
That my boys will lead the way.

January 1988