I ache inside by solemn knives
With wondering of tragedy;
Where does a woman, lonely, bide
As her killer stalks a block behind?
Where, distraught, do orphans, fraught
With dangers congregate?
To judge and buy or steal and lie
Just for a chance at life’s embrace?
Why, wicked, do the people live
And prosper; untouched, fine?
Why, righteous, do the prayers die
While Death our children kiss?
Why, evil has our throats bleeding
And somewhere, we’ve all given up
Why do we cry when eyes are dry
And laugh through rivers of blood?
Redeem us once again, o Light
And let us not despair.