My father said we are going on a picnic

My father said we are going on a picnic
To a place across the sea
There were tears behind his eyes
And a tremor in his voice
But he smiled as he lifted me onto his knee
And said he loved me ...

My father said we are going on a picnic
But that countless others were coming too
It is such a faraway magical place where no bombs fall
And instead of rubble to play in
There will be a beach and fine golden sand
Where we can laugh and sing our traditional songs in peace ...

My father said we are going on a picnic
Bags packed and huddled in a flimsy boat
He told me not to look into the dark waters
To hold tight his hand
Tears were falling from his eyes
And the tremor in his voice was now a violent shaking ...

My father said we are going on a picnic
His face turned towards the distant horizon
I leaned on him - my strong tree
I heard him speak into the gloom as we set sail
His hands now clutching his knees
'How my heart is aching - God go with us - please' ...