A lament for the victims of terror in Iraq

I’m weary of the carnage
that each day Iraqis face.
A dozen dead. Two score blown up
and even more displaced.

The Tigris and Euphrates
flow with blood like Pharaoh’s Nile.
And chances are it will get worse
when Saddam’s at last on trial.

The plagues of ancient Egypt
stole the lives of their firstborn.
And though their tears declined with time
those moms and dads still mourned.

And now Iraqi parents
are heard weeping through the night.
A plague called terror kills and maims
while mocking freedom’s light.

Dear God of Israel’s children,
of every tongue and race,
please bring about a settled calm
and dry each tear-stained face.