I read this as cynical, rather than religious, and I like it. I think that
the simple, hymn-like structure that Sally mentions nicely mirrors our naive
belief that the church can provide rational explanations or any real comfort
in such horrible circumstances. The last two lines, 'Take them, take them;
take our hopes,/and hold them near to Thee.' seemed to me to imply a loss of
hope, and perhaps faith, rather than a prayer for the lost children to be
taken to God.

Of course, my interpretation probably says more about my complete lack of
religious belief than about David's intentions. What do you say, David?

Sarah



. ----- Original Message -----
From: "David Anthony" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 15, 2003 6:32 PM
Subject: Nearer to Thee


Nearer to Thee

We scanned the headlines for the news
and sensed what was to come:
those children in the photograph
would not be coming home.
Small hope surrendered with a bleak
announcement on TV,
and someone played a brave old tune-
"Nearer, my God, to Thee."

Can God be near when malice lurks
throughout the world He made;
when every generation sees
its innocents betrayed?
Each evil lessens all of us-
Who lets such evil be?
Grief fills Thy churches, grief and shame,
and brings us nearer Thee.

We search for meaning, finding none;
for hope where hope has died.
We learned this lesson long ago
when Christ was crucified:
untainted lives are beacons, bright
however dark the sea.
Take them, take them; take our hopes,
and hold them near to Thee.

(in memory of Holly and Jessica)
(Revision)

http://www.davidgwilymanthony.co.uk/