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Anti-war essays, poems, short stories and literary excerpts
American writers on peace and against war
Women writers on peace and war
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Maria Briscoe Croker
War and Peace
How can we sing the angels’ song,
When half the world looms large with fearful strife,
And where sweet Peace her blessings once bestowed
Loud sounds the fierce demand of life for life?
The lilies of fair France are stained with blood,
Her peaceful fields are bristling ranks of spears,
And low before her desolated altar shrines
Sad mothers weep their unavailing tears.
The stalwart German by the river’s side,
Gives up his young life for the fatherland,
And thousands like him offer up their all
To meet the dreadful toll of War’s demands.
At sight of these the angels fold their wings –
Lord, haste the time when War and Strife shall cease;
When Love shall rise triumphant over Hate,
And Christendom rejoice in universal Peace!
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