This came from a brief conversation I had with someone a couple of nights ago before open-mic…

everybody’s fighting

There’s so much to hate
and so many people to do the hating
we don’t need armies anymore

Strategy is no longer necessary
mere tactics will do
It all comes down to choice of weapon

bullets…bombs…words…

The arsenal has become a personal thing
a matter of taste (or madness)
a signature of aggression

Fear and loathing
once an observation
now a state of being

behind itchy triggers
and perceived slights
in pursuit of a reason

No amount of candles and flowers placed at the scene
can disguise the fact
that we are at war with each other

The goal may be peace—
but we’re still fighting

(15 July 2016)