Within the shadows of our thinking

Dwell glimpses of an ancient past;

Dark tales of vengeance and of terror

Beyond what gentle hearts can grasp.

In myths that dwell within the psyche

Of every nation and each race

Lie human sacrifice and torture –

The captive prisoner’s nightmare space.

Within religion’s sad distortions

Mass murder hides behind Christ’s name

And people’s lives and sacred cultures

Have been misused for ‘Gospel’ gain.

But all our past collective horrors

Recur within the Market Feast:

Behind the suave and cultured image

There lurks a cunning hunting beast.

Must we remain in ancient bondage

Repeating all our history’s wrong,

Or will we let the power of loving

Spring up and dance within our song?

Come join the singing in the shadows,

Raise high the light of God-like worth

Expressed in costly eco-planning

For our evolving planet Earth.

Note: If a 6 verse hymn is preferred, the first part of the tune ST PATRICK or all of the tune ST CLEMENT could be used.

Text © William Livingstone Wallace. Arrangement © Barry Brinson.

Click here to see the score:  Wallace.Within The Shadows Of Our Thinking

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