Healer's Cry - Batya L. Wittenberg

Axe's flash, broadsword's swing Shining armor's piercing ring Broken sword and cloven shield Fallen men who would not yield Drop of blood and gasp of breath, Fight to keep each one from death All the strength we have to give, HOW MANY OF THEM CAN WE MAKE LIVE? Ugly slashes gaping wide Poisoned arrow in the side Twisted limb and broken bone Faces bruised like mottled stone Screams and cries that haunt our sleep Wounds to make the strongest weep Blood like water through a sieve -- HOW MANY OF THEM CAN WE MAKE LIVE? Thread to stitch the opened vein Alcohol to numb the pain Linen strips for wrap or sling Not enough of anything This one's hopeless, at a glance Turn to one who's got a chance Pray the dead can still forgive -- HOW MANY OF THEM CAN WE MAKE LIVE? Dawn has broke, the time has come From outside hear the marching drum Snatched from death, the wounded men Rise to go and fight again Drop of blood, gasp of breath, Lady, keep each one from death Just a little more to give, HOW MANY OF THEM CAN WE MAKE LIVE? Axe's flash, broadsword's swing Shining armor's piercing ring Broken sword and cloven shield Fallen men who would not yield Drop of blood and gasp of breath, Fight to keep each one from death All the strength we have to give, HOW MANY OF THEM CAN WE MAKE LIVE? How many of them can we make live? How many of them will You let live?