FOR THE CHILDREN - FROM RICHARD BERENGARTEN

Amber Jesson ‘Deep Within’

I wrote this poem thirty -five years ago (January 1988) when I lived in Yugoslavia.

At this current time of horrific war and suffering , I offer it here again. Especially in the context of Israel and Gaza/Gaza Israel.

I mean this poem for all the children.

And all the parents.

Not of any one group or ethnicity religion or nation.

But for all children and all parents . Everywhere.

It is the death of children most offends

nature and justice. No use asking why.

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

What punishment can ever make amends?

There’s no pretext, excuse or alibi.

It is the death of children most offends.

Whoever offers arguments pretends

to read fate’s lines. Although we must swear by

what justice is, nobody comprehends

how destiny or chance weaves. Who defends

their motives with fair reasons tells a lie.

It is the death of children most offends.

Death can’t deserve to reap such dividends

from these, who scarcely lived, their parents cry.

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

Bring comfort then, and courage. Strangers, friends,

are we not all parents when children die?

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

It is the death of children most offends.

RICHARD BERENGARTEN