When the poet can no longer praise the
battle, cannot sing the hero's song and
when the priest no longer prays for glory
in our struggle over evil, promising
the day's disposed to our intent,

let's not look for other poets, let
us not find other priests, and let us not
seek counsel from those who know of gods
or passions more sympathetic to our cause.
Let us not find heart to strive against a void.

No, let the soldier rest. Let the generals
pause for thought before the breach. And
let the minister of war resign her small
portfolio of conflict in the world.