Souls shriek
hearts cry out
how long can this go on,
the violence,
the struggle,
this war with no victors?

When will the bleeding stop?

Where will the hatred end?

Anger feeds
upon itself
a fiery-tonged dragon
with his tail
in his mouth
black smoke fills the heavens
rising and spreading
above crimson-soaked
“battlegrounds”
lifeless bodies
senseless,
appalling deaths,
anguish,
mourning,
heartbreak.

What have we done?

What have we done?

How long,

How long
can this go on?