EACH nation as it draws the sword
And flings its standard to the air
Petitions piously the Lord —
Vexing the void abyss with prayer.
O irony too deep for mirth!
O posturing apes that rant, and dare
This antic attitude! O Earth,
With your wild jest of wicked prayer!
I dare not laugh... a rising swell
Of laughter breaks in shrieks somewhere —
No doubt they relish it in Hell,
This cosmic jest of Earth at prayer!