Aftermath

In the aftermath of battle, 
One needs to find a place
Where one feels safe enough 
To lay down one’s weapons
And let them tarnish and rust 
And gather dust, at least until 
The ink has dried on the treaty.
Then they must be cleaned 
And sharpened and reinvented
And made ready for 
The next ill-advised incursion
Into hostile territory. 
This is essential.
Even the best troopers 
Eventually get their fill of war.
Then they are of no use to anyone, 
Not even themselves.
One can tempt fate, 
But one can’t escape
The god of unintended consequence.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Rodrigues Avatar
September 24, 2021 at 9:45 AM
Michael, you’ve said it well! Like the bible says: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven…a time for war and a time for peace.
Hankins Avatar
September 24, 2021 at 8:34 AM
Excellent writing, Michael. You have described what should follow conflict very well.
Woodrow Avatar
September 24, 2021 at 6:30 AM
So true … that god!! Nice one :)
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