Dublin Has Talent: 'It's Only A Matter Of Time' Poem

DUBLIN, CA — Dublin resident Brien Doran wrote this poem while in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1971:

A little boy plays with his new toy gun,

a weapon with which he'll not kill anyone

Children who don't yet have rocks in their hand

call soldier's names which they don't yet understand

But it's only a matter of time.

Parents teach their children what to fight for

with no talk of dying in a senseless war.

A new troop says: "I'm only here to uphold the laws,

I'm prejudiced against no person or cause."

If someone you love is not yet dear or dying

rehears your prayers and practice your crying.

Some people still say: "It doesn't involve me!"

What the Hell does it take to make them see

that it's only a matter of time.

A few person still know bombs are not the solutions

and that political changes could prevent revolutions.

But soon anyone suspected of using reason

will be put to death for High Treason.

It's only a matter of time.

So if your life has not yet been touched by the terror

of the consequences of political error,

join with me now and sing right along

before they arrest us for singing this song,

for it's only a matter of time.

Our future may be measured in megatons

instead of an endless number of morning suns

The world could all be destroyed in a day...

with our peace for all...all I can say is..

It's only a matter of time.

If you have a poem, painting, or ponderance you'd like to share, email Michael.wittner@patch.com.