Voices

Once upon a time in another world On a hill that overlooked the sea There was once a garden of beauty and of grace Lovely as a dream could ever be. Then the roses bled and the lilies broke On the day that death came to the garden Hidden in the flowers, meant to break the heart Flames that burst like blossoms in the garden. Can't you hear the voices from across the sea Calling from the ruins of the garden Calling out to you, calling out to me, Save us from the darkness that has fallen On our lovely garden Name them all by heart, name them one by one Countries where a child has lost tomorrow Count the deadly flowers in the fields and woods Count them like a rosary of sorrow. Can't you hear the voices from across the sea Calling from the ruins of the garden Calling out to you, calling out to me, Save us from the darkness that has fallen On our lovely garden. Where the children played in the summer light Running through the flowers on the hill Laughter in their voices, hope within their hearts Knowing they would live forever more. I have seen a child barely five or six, Counting bombs and tears, his childhood broken, Give him back the garden, give him back his life Give him back a world where love is spoken. Let us join our voices far across the sea Singing all together of the garden, Let the roses bloom, let the lillies grow, Let us live together for the children, In our lovely garden. --- Voices - Judy Collins