The death of children

It is the death of children most offends

nature and justice. No use asking why.

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

What punishment can ever make amends?

There’s no pretext, excuse or alibi.

It is the death of children most offends.

Whoever offers arguments pretends

to read fate’s lines. Although we must swear by

what justice is, nobody comprehends

how destiny or chance weaves. Who defends

their motives with fair reasons tells a lie.

It is the death of children most offends.

Death can’t deserve to reap such dividends

from these, who scarcely lived, their parents cry.

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

Bring comfort then, and courage. Strangers, friends,

are we not all parents when children die?

What justice is, nobody comprehends.

It is the death of children most offends.