Choose peace, said the child

As she stood among the soldiers, ethereal and delicate

With her hands full of flowers

Choose peace while you can

They’re full of reasons, the soldiers

They’re defending themselves

their homes, loved ones, way of life

and besides, the enemy is out there

and he’ll get you if you don’t get him first

The leaders said so, it must be true

Go home, little girl, this is no place for you

And still she stood among them

I am all the children who will never be, she told them

All the orphans of the numberless dead

I am all who inherit a blighted land and a hopeless future

Choose peace, said the child

Her arms full of lilies and poppies

Before it is too late