Sonnet to the Dead

Spare a moment to salute the butchered and dead; Refugees and captives, guiltless, who’ve died, Fleeing satanic religious extremists in dread. For false beliefs their lives denied. Aid workers, journalists and innocents who perished Beheaded and slaughtered by blades of butchers who hate; An evil that stalks, an ungodly demonic that’s cherished. Many now flee Islamic State. For all who mourn and wail, whatever belief, Stand up, lament, renounce such hate demonic That kills and brings to many, abysmal grief - By extremist actions so diabolic. And now, whatever religion or creed, For mercy, justice and peace we plead.