Children of War and Peace - Written With Paul Callus

Washed and smartly dressed in school uniform Judy tucks into her healthy breakfast while watching cartoons on television. Her mother smiles. Outside the sun shines bright. Rami wakes to sounds of jets overhead. He pulls his worn blanket tight to his chest afraid to look outside and see the dead. His nation torn and by tyrants oppressed. A friend’s birthday party awaits Judy. With present in hand she knocks at the door; already, music fills the evening air. She’s greeted by hugs and happy faces. Wails of crying mothers fill sooty air. Where did Rami’s go? She’s been gone so long. Each day he offers for her a prayer, knowing well she would want him to stay strong. Excited, she tugs at her father’s hand as she watches the colored lights around the fair grounds. Nibbling at her candyfloss, she makes a mental note of the fun rides. Will there be food today, food he can share? It’s his duty to care for another. He crawls through litter, finds the wee one there, but cold is the body of his brother. Today it was a public holiday and Judy’s parents took her to the beach. A lovely day has now come to an end. Judy’s mother gives her a goodnight kiss. With family gone, Rami takes up arms. They’re readily available to all. It matters not to him which side he harms; in battle Rami is willing to fall. Judy falls asleep in her cozy bed as her mum softly sings a lullaby. A fleeting smile lights up her peaceful face. She dreams of life’s delights, cuddles and love. To a staccato rhythm bullets fire as Rami dashes from the ragged tent. Of Rami’s fate nobody will inquire; for war’s children, none are left to lament.