During the ‘Troubles’, there were examples of irrational action, despite the tensions. One of these was the villification of children going to Holy Cross School, Belfast.
Oh! My Darling! Tell me so, how did you spend your day?
“I was at the barricade, and we had our say!”
But what, My Darling, was the point, the burden of your voice?
“No concessions! No agreement! We must retain our choice!”
But then, My Darling, in the end, what was indeed achieved?
“Nothing! But we made our point and won’t listen to what they plead!”
As he slept, she read the news of children terrorised
By feuding neighbours, so misled, apparently surprised
That mindless violent action, against young minds so mild,
Was abhorred by all the world, as much as each young child.
“Oh God, Please help me, find again, the Christian heart within
This man, who rides the tides of dark dogmatic whim.”
As he slept, a light appeared in the darkness of his dream
He watched as his friends dispersed, (the crowd, there once had been)
A voice demanded, “Tell me; What made you hugely proud?
Of what you did, just yesterday? –Don’t hide behind that crowd!
For you should come to realise, that behind its vulgar face,
Your voluntary involvement, was a personal disgrace!”
A quieter man arose next morn and silently reviewed
The news of misadventure, of tear-stained girls pursued
By insults and expletives, heard on their way to school
From those claiming adherence to Democratic Rule!
In deed, he thought, if it were me, without a crowd beside
Could I be, as brave as those, I selfishly deride?
George Potter
George's Rhymes for the Times 