Before The Fire Poem by Barry Middleton

before earth was set afire
spring gathered the birds
without a tear in paradise
without the pain of words

man possessed only hope
summer was in the fields
till evil in the human heart
created swords and shields

peace within a garden home
the gift of every tree
was set ablaze by avarice
with man no longer free

winter came consuming all
infernos scarred the world
birds and fields no longer safe
as battle flags unfurled

time awaits a silent spring
the dead make no reply
when all is lost wars will end
as smoke ascends the sky