AP Photo published in The Daily Progress

Collateral Damage

Barbara Woods Collins

Little baby girl,
Face so filled with terror,
What do you know of evil?
You're collateral damage, an error!

What do you know of choice,
To fight, to maim, to kill?
Your innocence is lost;
The void will not be filled.

You crashed no planes in our cities;
You wish no harm to our own.
Your needs are few and simple,
A mother's breast alone.

Collateral damage indeed!
Is this to ease our grief?
Does this define our nature,
Our politics, our beliefs?

I weep for you, my little one.
I wish for you no harm.
My hope is for your future
Safe in our mother's arms.

copyright ©2003 Barbara Woods Collins