04-23-2015, 03:51 PM
A definition of war
A difference of opinion between
villagers on each side of a ravine -
some petty trouble ignited by wine
or religion escalates into violence,
evolves into revolution, risking
intercession by villainy waiting
patiently in apparent submission,
revolver hidden, suddenly presiding,
redefining education, ignoring
constitutions, residing in institutions
where violence is the measure
and treasure of man. Where now anger
and ignorance are normal, where love
and patience are despised as vile, defiling.
This is our nation, at war with itself.
This is why we are mourning.
A difference of opinion between
villagers on each side of a ravine -
some petty trouble ignited by wine
or religion escalates into violence,
evolves into revolution, risking
intercession by villainy waiting
patiently in apparent submission,
revolver hidden, suddenly presiding,
redefining education, ignoring
constitutions, residing in institutions
where violence is the measure
and treasure of man. Where now anger
and ignorance are normal, where love
and patience are despised as vile, defiling.
This is our nation, at war with itself.
This is why we are mourning.