Now I Know

Now I know the burden of pain. The true malevolence of the world. My eyes were blinded, my emotions deceived, My dreams all a wild fantasy. Once upon a time, I was under the impression That life was a joy, all fun and games. An illusion of grandeur. Now I know the destruction of war. The killing machines it creates. Dehumanized, robotized. We were animals who could not think for themselves. Now I know the reality of battle. Sides separated by only the color of a uniform. All hatred is lost, any hope is crushed. Survival is the only motivation to move on. I have witnessed the horrors of death. Experienced the brutality of war. Deprived of my youth and innocence. Witnessed brothers die in front of my own two eyes. Now I know.