2nd Place | “Bitter Sun”

2nd Place | March/April 2013 Contest
“Bitter Sun”
Sara Leibman
Chevy Chase, Maryland

A bitter sun biting bones
Sends our voices heaven high
Teeming field, we’re all alone
Profane prayer and desperate lie.

Shepherd’s staff and warrior’s sword
Either one can herd or slash
Preach about the unwashed hoard
Campaign coffers full of cash.

Chorus:
Divine grace creates us.
Blind faith sedates us.
A sacred place awaits us.
Divine grace escapes us.

Pallid moon, sightless eyes
Look for visions at each turn
Hungry hunting, soundless cries
Keep the faith that flames don’t burn.

Poet’s harp and holy chant
Swapped with horror while we sleep
Monsters linger, demons pant
The frightened and the wounded weep.

Chorus:
Divine grace creates us.
Blind faith sedates us.
A sacred place awaits us.
Divine grace escapes us.

Blood and bones make up our bed
Fear and hatred constant twins
Wasted words on sheets of red
Cowardice is still a sin.

King’s command and mother’s dread
Respect, submit, do not ignore
If you see me when I’m dead
Just turn away and close the door.

Click here to see Sara Leibman’s American Songspace Profile.