War

In war
the enemy is identified...
a set of faces, 
the armies, the targets
surrounded by civilians
and their loved ones,
their children

Words take aim to offend.
bullets are blamed
the cost of pain
destroyed buildings,
life
The dead or captured are
heroes to one side
criminals to other side.

The flow of tension
the clutter of propaganda
media feeds in the frenzy
never really taking sides
only covering the deeds to the end.

The aftermath it seems 
the world will 
survive another deadly 
and costly conflict
vowing "never again!"
Then waits and watches 
march to and fro
 marking the moment
of the next s-turmoil
to break the lull of field generals
eager to test new weapons 
on the next set of faces! 

Chema 4/7/99