In A Place Not Unlike This

In a place not unlike this
Two tribes were still at war
So much like each other
So much hatred to the core

With a history of bloodshed
They swore they’d not forget
Each to avenge the other
For centuries of pain and regret

And they shared the same holy deity
And they knew that only they knew best
So their God decided to return
And put their Holy War to rest

And their God found the country in ruins
And the populace under a cloud
Both sides were heavy with victims
Both sides were shouting out loud

“Death to the traitorous infidels!
You will have nowhere to hide.
We will fill all your streets
With the blood of your children.
We’re the ones who have God on our side!”

Then a light of pure brilliance befell them
As their God came to speak face to face
And He Said He would end the confusion
Right now in this time and this place

He would tell them which tribe
Was His chosen
Then peace would reign in the land
He would end this hatred and sorrow
This wasn’t the world He had planned

Then He randomly chose one for favor
And the chosen ones fell to their knees
And He told them to send Him their leader
For a message that surely would please

And the leader prepared for the honor
Cleansed his soul and did all that was right
And the time came to stand in His glory
On this, the Holiest night

And the God said he knew what he wanted
The leader stood silent and smiled
“I grant you the death of your enemy
To the last man and woman and child!

“And so you won’t miss all the pleasure
By shooting so far from the place
You’re going to use this small dagger
And carry it out face to face.

“Your enemy numbers in millions.
So can you imagine the joy
Of personally seeing the life drain
From every soul you destroy?

“Go now—your heaven is waiting.
It’ll probably take you some years.
I look forward to seeing you someday
Amongst dancing and singing and cheers.”

And so I heard this story
Where a war just came to an end
No blood—no sweat—no glory
Just nothing left to defend

You had better watch what you pray for
In a state of hatred or bliss
You just might find your heaven
In a place not unlike this