Pointless Indignity - (Or What Is War) Poem by moon batchelder

it didn't have to
go like this. - if
someone tossed a stone
across the sea
and hit that beast
which claims the world to own,
suffice some justice
had been wrought
by shepherd boy
and right.
instead
the bully's
former victims
side with him, - from fright.

it didn't have to
go like this. - were
we the saints we claim,
response would be
compassionate
and wise
in laying blame
before inciting violence;
demanding loyalty
from others who
are scared,
- or have as much to gain
as we.