War

WAR

We lose, they lose,

all left in distress.

There are no victors,

only those who lose less. 

Glory’s an emotion, 

an excuse for the terror.

Laid down by those fighting,

from King to flag bearer.

However, the soldiers

aren’t left unaffected. 

Their once noble minds,

become poisoned, infected

by the horror they witness 

and carry out themselves.

The taking of lives,

by tens and by twelves. 

It starts with a conflict

and grows into many,

until hundreds of thousands

live on less than a penny.

Killing’s a crime

that leads to incarceration,

unless done in large numbers

in the name of a nation.

Declared by the old

and fought by the young,

it’s a defeat for mankind

their songs left unsung.

War’s the taking of life,

a foul, gloryless theft.

It’s doesn’t matter who’s right,

it only matters who’s left.