I’d like to tell a tale
On the morning of this war
Not of resolutions
Or what were fighting for
Just two different people
And the path that they follow
One surpassing spirit,
The other sunk below

Both were born of kindred vein
An upright stance
Worshipping a heart the same
Filled with vigour pure and true
Chasing a dream,
Naively, humble and pure
Longing for emancipation
Of all oppressed an poor

As one fought to the top
With a steely drive
The other caved in,
all hope cast aside
Through so much work
Clare helped make change
Will stared at the sky
His body grew in age

Although juxtaposed
In all they achieved
A conscience persisted
Forever to be shared
Claire said “I will Quit”
Over this illegal war
Will sat, shocked,
Disgusted by what he saw

That night defied distance
That seemed so concrete
The same wind whistled
In both of their ears
As heavy morning arose
Greeting long, sleepless night
One character collapsed
And one rose to fight

Tied in circumstance
Denying all hope
Pragmatism emerged
From skin chaffed by rope
And the decision Clare took
To stick with this war
Caused millions to grieve
Ministers to guffaw

For every decision
That denies human nature
A reaction is lit
In an opposite hemisphere
As a mathematical proof
That can’t be mistaken
Some wills of the mind
Will never be shaken

For the sake of the innocent
Hopeful and true
Will just had to shout
It was all he could do.
Until the quiet objection
Seeming never to be heard
Was sung out of this opera house
To the rest of the world

For the pacified, apathetic,
Resigned, sulking ones
Lit by glowing TV
Watching our bombs
We have no power
Our politicians are for sale
And the punishment for expression
Three to five years in jail.

03/19/2003

Author's Note: Clare Short is Minister for International Development in the British Labour government. Will Saunders, along with David Burgess, were responsile for painting the "No War" sign on the Sydney opera house.

Posted on 03/24/2003
Copyright © 2025 Phil P Robson