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.
