Coming to an end
my friend
the direction like
an infection spreads
towards a desolate shore
where people care no more
letting fools wage war
no matter how much
cease and desist
is implored
words of peace
are ignored
but ordering weapons
they say more more more
more 21 gun salutes
burying blood stained boots
while taps is played
folding a rag
for a widow to save
as a mother weeps over
a grave of a child who she
too soon must wave
goodbye to
as she walks away
at the end of another day

             Kelly McManus