Why? Poem by Wesley Mincin

Why?

When we march for freedom,
some see rebellion.
When we see patriotism,
some see terrorism.
We forge our own beliefs as a nation,
some see abomination.
And then we fight and die for these
For wealth or for glory
for freedom or country
We fight the evil that we see
and not opinions that differ
innocently.
There are two sides to everything
Two sides to a war, three sides or more
Where there is war there is love,
but I've had enough.
Why not aspire to something more?
Embrace enlightenment
Embrace knowledge and peace
and not quarrel over selfish views and gains
Why not aspire to become stronger?
Why not become smarter?
To work cohesively with perseverance, courtesy, and self-control;
those are the virtues of dignity,
not of stupidity.
We seek ways to destroy.
Why not seek a way to give life and to travel
beyond the stars and into the unknown?
Why not strip away stringent laws
and allow cultures to flourish
living serenely.
I want to live in the mountains in peace
To speak with the winds,
meditate with the mountains,
embrace the power of my spirit,
and seek the truths in life
in peace.
I want to embrace someone to love
and not worry about their safety.
I want to love them and grow
instead of fighting for that right.
I see the world as it is,
but see it for what it can be.
I see our people for what we are
and see them as they should be.
Why can't I live in the mountains in peace
without someone seeking my demise
or conversion?
Why can we not evolve?
Why can't I live in peace?