at least there was some honesty
when they chose to change its name
the Department of Defence no longer
now labelled the Department of War
though perhaps they should add
'and Political Assassination'
to ensure that the name
is matched to the deeds
and while they're on a roll
what of those many other
teams, groups, departments
hiding behind titles, acronyms
carefully designed to obfuscate
cabals of mayhem and secrecy
doing their master's bidding
the bloodied fist of politics
its velvet glove discarded
when might's deemed right
ends always justifying means
what names should be given
and who gets to choose
to hold responsibility
Mar 12
Mar 12, 2026 at 4:22 AM UTC
at least there was some honesty
when they chose to change its name
the Department of Defence no longer
now labelled the Department of War
though perhaps they should add
'and Political Assassination'
to ensure that the name
is matched to the deeds
and while they're on a roll
what of those many other
teams, groups, departments
hiding behind titles, acronyms
carefully designed to obfuscate
cabals of mayhem and secrecy
doing their master's bidding
the bloodied fist of politics
its velvet glove discarded
when might's deemed right
ends always justifying means
what names should be given
and who gets to choose
to hold responsibility
2nd March 2026
Stephen Cooper
