When I think of Sadako folding cranes
                to heal her bomb-caused sickness,
and her friends crane-forming in hopes for her health,
                in a yearning for safety and peace,
at once arises a wish     for joy for all children on this earth,
for the goodness of life they deserve,   that murder-wars will cease

                as we cry out with fervor    against the plagues of pain:
                                Never again.

Never again to waste young growth-time, squander play and pleasure; 
O, defend the glory of children, their striving, their learning season;
O, renew the pledge this Peace Day: end the lusts of greed and war,
the slaughter of the innocents, insane beyond all reason.

                And we cry out with fervor     against the plagues of pain:
                                Never again.

                Never again, in the name of all children;
                Never again, in reverence of what young lives are for;
                Never again: may the words come from the heart:
                O, take up the work of peace, Peace-Warrior!

No more bombing, no more burning, cranes of hope fly free;
No more children slain in horror. Work and Love can make it be.

                In the name of all the children:
                                Never again.

                In the name of all the children —
                Work and Love can make it be.