19 July 1943

Amid the wreckage of a bomb-blown street
In prayer among the smoke and stench of death
A man in anguish kneels and begs of Heaven
Mercy upon the broken people of God
Amid the wreckage of humanity
The blessings of a saint, like incense, drift
Into the hidden places of each soul  
The healing peace of God amid the ruins
Amid the wreckage of a bomb-blown street
Amid the wreckage of humanity