A friend's been through the wars

A thought to give some pause

Just what on earth is the cause?

There ought to be a few laws ...



Prohibiting those nasty afflictions

From overshadowing folks' diction

Slowing down minds with direction

Causing even more introspection ...



Now why does God let them hurt so?

When they've already been slowed

By the accrued pain of the past ...

And now, forever - wear that mask



Were it in any way at all up to me

I would ask HIM to let them all be

And move those afflictions elsewhere

Onto some others who can better bear



The pain of loss, or the greater strain

There are some out there who will gain

Greater strength from these afflictions

For they thrive on it - like an addiction



Something many use to better avail

Themselves to get through the stale

If it works for them - then - please pass

All of those worries to them - at last ....



- Tristram



(c) Christopher W. Thomas

1am Saturday, July 18th, 1998