John Lennon

You asked us to forget ourselves
and everything we knew.
Forget conventions we’ve been taught,
forget and follow you

into the light where we could see
there is no God for war.
One of love, perhaps, but the
answer remains obscure.

No country we can fight over
nor possessions to be had--
words you said with bombs overhead
killing future dads.

Your message flew like a white dove
into hearts and over seas,
but those who refuse to stand
will instead force you to your knees.

Look how your cry for peace inspired
reactions of violence!
Now the word “imagine” rings
loud over your song’s silence.