You May Strike, But Hear Him First Poem by RIC BASTASA

Is it not wise and kind
To ask first
Why?

Hear his side
And listen
Demand always
An
Explanation
Or a
Justification

Then

If there is reason enough
Strike! Strike if you must
With a club
Or a fist
Or a very harsh word
A stab
Or hack or shoot or bomb


Be always fair
If you fight as you
Think you
Finally must

Let him know
Let him
Also prepare
For his
Defense

Let there be fairness
In war
And in peace.