“
Now reading
The Innocents
The Innocents, the Innocents, They walk alone, or wait, As beggars in the dark, before A deaf unopening gate. They wait and whisper: "Love," one says, "Love, and the gift of pain Will sweep the murky waters back And let men pray again." The waters of oblivion Heave, and are tossed with pain Craving the feet of Innocents To walk that way again. The waters of oblivion Are hungry for a Word: Then pray again, O Innocents, Bear witness to the Lord. "For prayer," one says, "will shout until It hears the Young Day cry"- The waters of oblivion Are shaken with a sigh. The Young Day dreams, the Young Day wakes, The bells speak from the tower: The lighted brows of Innocents Will guide us in that hour. The Innocents will march that day With torches through the town. The Innocents will laugh, and pull The toppling prisons down. The Innocents will weep that day With blood upon their hands. The grieving arms of Innocents Will rock the crying lands.