Promises, Promises

A man who makes a promise

That the people shall decide.

Cannot take his word back,

When he's on the losing side.

Supporters of Outtara, Supporters of Gbagbo

Democracy demands the loser pack his bags and go.

A man who makes a promise

Of bombs and guns no more.

Needs to decommission,

End the internecine war.

Those loyal to the Queen, those loyal to the Pope

Need to work together to give fragile peace some hope.

A man who makes a promise

To create a fledgling state

Can't redraw the borders,

Can't come back for a clean slate.

Sons of Isaac, Sons of Ishmael

Fighting turns the Promised Land into a living Hell.

Marks on a piece of paper

Cannot alone bring peace.

The pen may be the mightier,

But the sword is slow to cease.

Words of treaty, votes on ballot sheets

All may count for nothing unless violence leaves the streets.