Just one day

I would like to be God for just one day,

I'd give all my creatures a chance to play.

I would bring to the suffering quick release,

I'd give to the frightened comfort and peace.

And those that were suffering would hunger no more,

I would heal all the wounded, bleeding and sore.

I'd close all the doors where sadists reign,

With their tests and their knives so ready for pain.

 

I would open the doors of the cages wide,

And offer their freedom to those inside.

I would throw out the traps that lie in wait,

For a small furry creature, a cruel fate.

I would close all the bullrings and break every spear,

And the rabbit no longer the greyhound would fear.

I would clean all the oil from out of the sea,

I would let all the fish in the nets go free.

 

I would throw out the arrows that pierce so deep,

I would give to the tired the blessing of sleep.

I'd close all the tracks where the races are won,

By horses abused to make them run.

I would teach little children that birds are frail,

And puppies and kittens ... don't hold by the tail.

And the bunnies and chicks and ducklings so small,

I would not let stores have for sale at all.

 

I would free all the animals raised for fur,

I would tear down the ranches where they were.

I would open the pens that are stacked so high,

So legs could run free and wings could fly.

I would silence the sound of the hunters guns,

I'd give speed to the legs of the fox that runs.

I would break every rope by the rodeo used,

I would comfort the cattle the cowboy abused.

 

I would make all the streams run pure and sweet,

I'd show mercy to animals used for meat.

I would offer green grass to the worn out nag,

I would throw out the snares in the hunters bag.

I would break all the clubs that batter their prey,

I would take all the poison and throw it away.

I would close the arenas and bloody pits,

Where roosters and dogs are torn to bits.

 

I'd find homes for the homeless in cities and farms,

I would gather the strays in my loving arms.

I know it's not given to mind of man

The workings of God to understand,

But oh how I long for the day to come

Bringing help for the helpless, tortured and dumb.

And I mean no irreverence because I say

I would like to be God for just one day.

 

(Guila Manchester)