Not the deeds of war, the world assembling

Not the steering aircraft into buildings,

the cover-up, or superficial gilding

will judgement justify; and stop the trembling.

Raw display of pow’r cannot excuse us,

immolation of the self counts not at all

though a thousand die and with you fall

Nor adulation of the warriors who abuse us

None counts with God except the hungry, sick,

the naked stranger, thirsting for a friend;

these unimpressive souls God would attend

their light extinguished, lives a smoking wick.

If greatness, in the New Year, is your aim