Recognize Thy Face

The news exacerbates our fears,

And if we care at all

As shattered writhen bodies fall

Eat our bread with tears.

Will peace yet dawn among this race

Mortal yet half-divine,

Who demons harbour to disgrace

This being that is Thine?

I remember Auden's lines:

". . . the seas of pity lie

Locked and frozen in each eye."

How aptly he defines

The hate that lives in humankind,

Fanaticism's field –

Is there a key we still might find

And every being yield

To love and every heart embrace

The spirit's ageless cry,

In every soul that passes by

Recognize Thy face.