In this land where swords no longer clash,
Where battle crys are dried in dust,
In these tranquil lands, untouched by strife,
Lies a quiet ignorance, blight mistaken.
Oh, ye non-warring nations, oblivious rapture,
Shielded by illusions, veils of false safety.
The lull of peace, a tender lullaby,
That sings you into slumber, deep and blind.
Your hearts, once aflame with fiery passion,
Now dulled and drowsy, indifferent souls.
The lack of battles fought, and men grow tired,
The embers of courage dim will expire.
In distant lands where errant winds do howl,
Lives shattered, dreams devoured in desperation.
But in your sanctuaries, tranquil and unaware,
The cries of anguish fail to reach your ears.
Through veils of privilege, your vision blurs,
To look the other way, deafen the cries of pain.
Your ignorance breeds a delusion so serene,
The whispered falsehoods declare all is well.
Yet, oh ye non-warring nations, heed my voice,
Lift the veil of indifference, awaken from slumber.
For to feign ignorance, to turn a careless cheek,
Is to surrender to darkness, to let injustice flourish.
Let your hearts be kindled with compassion’s fire,
Embrace the world’s sorrows. Let empathy be your guide.
Reach out your hands, extend them far and wide,
In unity and understanding, the seeds of peace reside.
For warring or not, we are bound as one,
A tapestry woven in diverse hues and cries.
Let ignorance wither, knowledge be our sword,
Awaken, oh ye non-warring nations, to the world’s strife.
Steve Halstead.
The Yorkshire Poet & Friends 