Robert William Service

Here you will find thePoemGod's Griefof poet Robert William Service

God's Grief

"Lord God of Hosts," the people pray, "Make strong our arms that we may slay Our cursed foe and win the day." "Lord God of Battles," cries the foe, "Guide us to strike a bloody blow, And lay the adversary low." But brooding o'er the battle smother Bewails the Lord: "Brother to brother, Why must ye slaughter one another? When will ye come to understand My peace, and hand reach out to hand, In every race, in every land?" And yet, his weary words despite, Went murderously on the fight, Till God from mankind hid His sight, Saying: "Poor children, must you gain To brotherhood through millions slain? --Was anguish on the Cross in vain?"