Hearts and Minds

Hearts and minds, hearts and minds
if we can break their grieving hearts
and make them lose their anguished minds
and set dismembered bodies free
in pious hope we think they will
salute our victory.

Hearts and minds, hearts and minds
a nation born in genocide
with self-regarding destiny
in breach of Christian charity
with naked power and careless force
asserts supremacy.

Hearts and minds, hearts and minds
our gallant mis-led men of arms
by air and sea and infantry
risk life and limb and honesty
for power-hungry venal men
blind to obscenity.

Hearts and minds, hearts and minds
each death will strengthen their resolve
injustice enemies unites
the innocent as ever, die
trapped by the pride of either side
and no one hears their cry.

Hearts and minds, hearts and minds
the love of justice will abide
though we learn nought from history
repeat its lethal legacy
the only absolute is life
sacred humanity.

Zettel