The War Prayer by Mark Twain

Mark Twain wrote The War Prayer in 1905 in response to the war in the Phillipines. It wasn't published until after his death, as his family feared it would be considered sacrilege.

As a satirical look at the glory and horror of war, the piece has particular relevance today. We produced this adaptation at the suggestion of a listener, and presented it as part of a memorial edition of Soundstage on 9/11/02.

The text of the piece can be found in many places on the web, here for example.

Our production includes sounds recorded at the Flags Along Bayshore gathering on 9/11/02 in Tampa, and features Second City alumn Dick Schaal as the Stranger.

We've made the War Prayer available for download and distribution here. Please let us know if you broadcast it; the following stations have played it recently:

• WMNF -- Tampa, FL
• WOMR -- Provincetown MA
• KEUL -- Girdwood AK
• KZYX and Z-- Philo CA

Support this kind of work and Buy a copy of The War Prayer, if you're feeling generous.