Hurting Children

Bless them, Lord, these two little men

Bunkmates, brothers in blood

Normally allies in this place of war

Where we all live together in agony

Surrounded by gun towers ad razor wire

Pitted against one another by a faceless foe

Hurting inside and hurting each other

Swinging and stinging, wondering why

Both believing a lying voice

Thinking the other knew what he meant

Not knowing why he didn't hear

Help them, Lord, unstop their ears

Help them hear the truth, within and without

Snatch them from this merry-go-'round of loss

Help them hug, not slug

Help them touch love within

No matter how small, may they find it

Show them some light to reach for

Soothe them, stroke them

Whisper a better way to walk in

You alone know all of their struggle

So into that hidden place

Here, even here in this place

This prison of souls even more than bodies

You who are everywhere

Reaching into anywhere

Though they make their bed in hell

You are here

And use me if I can help

Lead me in your love of them

That they may embrace again in peace

-Stephen Pursell, 4/13/03