October 14th in Israel

Six days of living in a different world,

with hearts halved by cruel knives of fear and dread.

Watch as the coming bloody blast is hurled,

as youths with cheerful smiles are now “the dead”.

The choice to grieve or fight weighs on the brain.

No time to cry or shake off loss that's worn.

Survival demands shields to cover pain,

until the battle’s end brings time to mourn.

Wings were torn off the little butterflies 

and now each mother marches with blurred sight.

Tears are never-ending as are the lies.

These infant spirits were released with fright.

The mourner's Kaddish spirals up above.

Oh Lord, receive the millions as they pray!

Hatikva sings our words of yearning love.

Please grant us our shalom without delay.