To War! (Again)

Predicting the future is easy

because we always double back.

Taking yet another terrible loop

on this worn, blood-stained track.

When we finally reach the end

of the infernal and broken line,

the ride will perpetually repeat:

just give it a little more time.

The specifics are a bit blurry

but the broad strokes still remain.

You heard our leader speak:

We are called to war again.

"This time it's different!

The world itself is at stake!

We need to destroy the enemy

for our future children's sake!"

Not all believe in joining the fight

but enough souls nevertheless will.

Creating an army of the unwitting

each bearing their license to kill.

The beginning itself irrelevant:

both sides claim to defend.

Either against escalating force

or the march of history's trend.

Despite any enumerated reasons,

the struggle remains the same:

One seeks to control the second;

the second refuses to change.

"Your resistance is futile"

those seeking control will allege.

Resistance being the logical action

of those pushed over the edge.

When the controllers win the fight

it only stokes the winds of change.

A new rebellion will surely crop up

becoming next on the firing range.

When the rebels usurp their oppressor

(as one group will eventually do),

the rebels become the controllers

and will surely oppress others too.

So fight for freedom with your life

against those that would take it away.

You may be different than those before

but the future will fall someday.

The world is always at risk.

Some will always be unfree.

Individuality breeds conflict

and conflict begets casualty.

To stop entirely is a futile exercise

but one that should be done.

Delaying the inevitable saves lives

though war may never truly be won.

***

Dedicated to K.F., a great friend and someone who needs to learn to live with the constant existence of war.