Three Wise Monkeys

Why, when the majority oppose war, genocide, occupation and destruction do the people not rise up?

Bones splinter,

blood runs in

rubble strewn streets,

down drains

and dries into hard,

stale patches.

Wounds fester

to amputation,

putrid flesh falls a way

from dead skulls

as we look away in horror.

As we turn our heads,

avert our gaze

so we do not have to see,

or hear, or smell

pain and death.

 

Atrocities fill each and every day

and each and every night,

real people suffer and die

at the hands of deranged dictators,

or the behest of the rich and powerful,

determined to retain their grip

on the throat of the world.

 

Life is a cheep commodity

to these beastly

parasite pariahs,

to whom acquisition

and dominance,

and self interest

is the life blood

upon which they thrive.

 

Yet still we look away.

 

29/10/20

Author's Note

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

We never learn do we? Hard hitting. The consequence of war is devastating for generations. Diplomacy not violence. Well penned John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed it is so Chris and so so sadly frustrating and horrific. Many thank yous.

[Briana O'Connor]

this one made me shiver. I could vividly see the war at hand. The devastation in this world is hard to watch. This piece encourages us to stop looking the other way and take a stand. thanks for sharing. best wishes to you.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you once more Briana. I am so frustrated by our inability to stand up and defend the undefended!

[Cherrie Palmer]

War at times is a sad must,
But never trust a politician who pushes war. A heartless bean-counter with no skin in the game. The body and souls of the people are a trade for victory. We must push peace till it will be pushed any further. Excellent poem.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Cherrie. My heart bleeds for Syria and Yemen and South Sudan etc

[Cherrie Palmer]

those people are in need of a voice and someone not afraid to bring peace to a dying place in need of hope, warmth and bread.