Lori Ann Day

WAR MANTRA

Words give meaning to our actions,
but when we really look at our
deeds for what they are, we notice that
our words don’t transcend our actions,
for they taste like blood, and the
wounds of our own making are
bleeding scarlet red liquid,
and are primitive.
We tell ourselves that we are
in a war, and that we must kill,
and sacrifice our peace of mind,
committing atrocities as if we have no
eyes, for killing is deaf, dumb,
and blind when it wears its disguise
and lies.
Maybe if we keep chanting this war
mantra we will come to believe it still,
though we walk in darkness, and hear
faceless nighttime’s cries.