The bloated bellies of offshore vaults

where lie the profits, accumulating wealth

though giving off a nauseous stench

of crude oil and the decomposing corpses

of so many helpless non-combatants.

 

Sent by bearded men plotting over long tables

using deaths, terror and yet more deaths

to further their not so obscure interests.

Evil metallic predators wing stealthily over towns

releasing their deadly droppings on school buses,

classrooms and hospitals, funerals and weddings,

on defenceless old men, women and children.

 

Hospitals and schools used as weapon stores, they say.

If so, why is the aftermath only twisted beds, desks and corpses?

Why target a marketplace - soldiers carry shopping bags?

Why the water plant, unless for cholera as well?

Using cluster bombs for maximum collateral damage,

but not even content with this illegality, dropping

phosphorous bombs to burn flesh to the bone.

 

No 'Jus in bello' here, just choice of vicious methods

leaving impotent rage, indignation and despair.

Few means, but with a home and family, is one thing,

another to be in danger,displaced, destitute and desperate.

We know too well who are the providers here,

does no-one care, does no-one see the tragedy?

Such cruelty and injustice will come home to roost,

we'll find their talons perched on the shoulders of our descendants.