Armed Rules.
War, when begun throws its gun-ridden challenge
of thorns to all fighters
caught up in foe-hunting to hurt, wound and
kill combatant rivals
until all start forgetting who spilt first blood, who
launched shooting of hate
into youth\'s frame when taught armed rules
not of their making.
Harm no longer accepted sees it insane for rage
to stain red fragile earth
when peace-parched forces yearn to stave
off battle-lines learned
for when life is read rightly hearts pity and cool
iron once smoking hot,
terror will capture no more as hands lose
need for firing best shot.
Celled in same grief enemies readily call
for fellow-despoilers to cease from war.