War Changes Everything

Don’t know why we all can’t simply get along

As a people, as a nation, as a realm.

Clearly, there are differences

Between what’s right and wrong.

No need to let discussion overwhelm.

But war changes everything.

 

We are children on a playground

Running, laughing, wild and free

Until some pretentious bully comes along

Demanding tribute’s lame intimidation,

Stirring trouble. Insisting that we pirouette

To his self-serving song.

Yes, war changes everything.

 

Patience stretches just so far

Til common sense prevails.

Only one thing to be done

To pass these dire travails.

Must stand tall, must forestall this

Brutish cold incursion.

Force to force is all the tyrant

Understands in his perversion.

 

But even when we win, we fail

In losses beyond measure.

Young men die and loved ones weep

Protecting the ideas they treasure…

Because war changes everything.