Terry D. Sutherland

CONFLICT

There are those who dine on carrion
They gorge on rotting flesh
They choose the loser early on
It’s conflict that provides their mess

They wait at the contest’s edge
They encourage discord when they can
To the winner they always pledge
For them two losers is a better plan

If the struggle may end in draw
They’ll intercede to fan the fire
They will lend tooth or claw
To further complicate the mire

If an open wound should heal
They will open it if they can
Deceit is hidden in their appeal
For an end to the fire they fan

If the hunting lion should lose
And the wildebeest makes a stand
The buzzard may have to wait
For scraps the hyena leaves in the sand