We talk about war crimes,

But all war is a crime.

No one should have to take up arms

And to try to kill his brother.

 

Health warnings flash across our screens.

The lifeless husks of battle rage

Or those dismembered by explosions

(‘You may find some of these images upsetting’);

They were just following orders.

But no one should follow orders.

 

To hell with the brass hats, the bullies,

The fixers with their clammy handshakes,

Their girlie mags and pop-gun fantasies.

We all live in the same world.

We should be better than this.

Stop this madness now. Please.