Never again should my dread of nuclear war
Or of environmental catastrophe;
The imminent collapse of civil law
And steady rise of hard pornography,
Allow me to forget the awesome truth
That life itself is brief and rests on blood;
That man has always feared the serpent’s tooth
And seen the worm corrupt the virgin bud;
That faith’s a power linking one with God,
Who dwells within no less than high above;
That heartfelt penance can forestall the rod
And hatred’s flames be quenched by soothing love.
O may I live my future, mortal days
In wisdom, courage, patience, hope and praise.
Jerusalem
25 October 1995