The Prayers of the Children By David Roth © 19th January, 2005 With Appreciation to Kurt Bestor Whose symphonic and choral piece of the same name inspired this. Can you hear the prayers of the children Crying in the darkness Of a lonely and forgotten pain? Can you hear the prayers of the children Wondering why they’re so alone In a world of endless death. Where have you gone, Daddy? Why did you leave me all alone? What did I do Daddy? That you would hate me so? Where have you gone, Mommy? Mommy, it’s so cold out here. I’m shivering in the cold and rain, Wrapped in just a simple rag. Mommy, I’m so hungry! Daddy, I feel lost and scared. Do I have a Grampa? Are the other kids like me? Do you hear the prayers of the children? Crying in the dark of night, Dying in a lonely world, While tears of confusion crust their cheeks? Can you hear the prayers of the children? Wondering why they’re so unloved, Why they’re cold and lonely In a world that has so much.