War is

War is bloodshed, hostilities, fighting,
Conflict, crime, disease and poverty.
We all fight for some type of sovereignty

Off to war we go -

Not staying behind
Leaving our beloved children, spouse, family
Behind
The war burns images into our minds

An enemy's tank tries to flee Into the dark night
Soldiers appear in their piercing sight.

Staring into a burning enemy's tank
Our forces shows up on their flank

Yells and crys from a soldier's screams
Stay out of my head, Stay out of my dreams


The smell of blood in the desert heat
Rancid and sour as it pools at my feet

I stare into my dead friend's eyes
empty
yet full of questions
His eyes ask, what will be his next destination

When the soldier returns full of shame
for the things he has done

A nation celebrates
for the war they have won.

Stephen Finnerty