War

It does not matter
why
when innocent people
die
 
*
 
All wars are
vile
all wilful harm
execrable
 
let all rise up
to swear
we hold these truths
incontestable
 
*
 
There is always
right and wrong
and there will be
weak and strong
 
but it does not
matter why
when innocents
get to die
 
for all wars
are vile
all violence
execrable
 
there’s no condoning
killing
that’s plain
incontestable
 
*
 
Let us rise up
to shun
who take to
sword or gun
 
hold them in
contempt
contempt
of the human
race
 
where there be
schism and strife
are there far
better ways
 
so expunge
the bane of history
and redeem
the human race
 
where there be
schism and strife
are there far
better ways
 
justice can be
purchased
in peaceable
ways
 
*
 
Do not be too
righteous
we are only
flesh and blood
 
when the dam of
war is burst
all are swept
in the flood
 
for it does
not matter
why
when innocents
get to die
 
can be no goodly
reason
for carnage to be
in season

for right and wrong
cannot matter
if millions are to
die
 
*
 
And think –
We who could be
kith and kin:
who broke the social
tie?

[© R.Kanth 2025]

Professor Rajani Kanth, is Author of Coda (Novel) , A Day in the Life (Novel), and Expiations (Verse)