Fancy Names
Let’s consider this, just for a moment:
Hundreds are slaughtered in attacks on schools,
On apartment blocks, or shopping centres.
Yet still we call it this fancy name: War.
We hand out medals, salute the stupid,
And march up and down wearing silly clothes.
If I sent bombs towards civilians,
I should go down as a mass murderer;
But in this mad world, I am a hero,
Doused with honours and brazenly adored.
Perhaps that’s why they are gagging for war;
It’s one big turn-on for the drooling crowds,
Who cheer the brave boys home, and who pretend
That evil is scrubbed out by fancy names.
Stephen Gospage
Sun 17th Jul 2022 16:55
Thank you for kind comment, Adam. I suppose this poem is ironic, in the sense that the invaders claim it is not war but a special military operation (an even fancier name for the same thing).
I have an innate suspicion of all things military, with the uniforms and culture of forced obediance. When combined with cowardly initiatives, such as long-range bombing of schools and shopping centres, it is too much.
The territory of Ukraine has been violated and its people have a right to defend themselves. But I want this war to be over as soon as a just solution is available.
And my thanks as ever to Frederick, Tom, KJ, Holden, Clare, Hugh and K Lynn for liking this.