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42. A National Prayer for Life
by E.J. Brennan
We came forth from many quarters,
one hundred thousand strong,
to focus our nation's conscience
on a gross and serious wrong.
Nearly thirty five million children
were aborted from the womb,
a plastic bag their only shroud,
a garbage can their tomb.
No comrades fought on either flank.
No sword or shield did fend.
Their nation left them on their own.
Alone they met their end.
No caisson bore them to their grave,
less friends and florals too.
For them no flag was flown half–
mast.
For them no bugle blew.
We weep for this our nation,
which feeds upon its youth,
for .its eyes are sadly blinded
to equality and truth.
We pray for this our nation:
May this bloody slaughter cease,
So our God who gave it freedom
may restore to it His Peace.
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