War

 The rules of war

First rule of war is don’t get shot

Keep down your silly head

Whether hair is combed or not

The bullet doesn’t discriminate. 

Rule number two suggests

This war belongs to someone else

Though it’s true that if you’re killed

The war has come to you. 

Rule number three says the war is lethal

Til the bitter end so don’t be fooled

By news promising the contrary

Bullets don’t read news summaries. 

When the fog of war is lifted

We can see who has acted wisely

Where the courage lies

And the selfish stupidity. 

We can sing songs for the nurses

Take care of long Covid wounded

Mourn those we buried in the fields 

We could not properly salute or grieve. 

Beware of fools promising early peace

This enemy like Dracula

Only dies when a silver stake 

Is driven through its evil heart. 

So patience friend while help arrives

The sound of horses in far off hills

Comes closer as vaccines come into sight

And we can sleep easily at night. 

Peace will come, of that I’m certain

I just want all my friends at the table

No vacant seats if I’m able

When we toast the final victory.