to bleed, to cry
what is the difference
for they both do a vital task
draw attention to an injury
in need of treatment

I will not stay
I can't
here the ground
is sinking
like quicksand
only betrayal
and deceit is found

each word is connived
as though each speaker
within himself carries
a ready lethal knife

they said to me:
' just stay a while'
but I knew the storm
was brewing-  guile
wore an insidious smile

escape routes
they had planned
none had I---
where could I hide?

Postscript:

I left
my life I saved
I survived!

WHEN BLOOD WAS RED

Old pictures in black and white
where mud was thick and grey
men scrambling over
makeshift walls
shot to bits and lying dead

when blood was red

grainy videos with no colours
cannons roar with white flash
shrapnel tearing flesh
severing limbs
men in fear run facing led

when blood was red

fields of poppies sway in grey
never blue skies in these days
no sunshine only fog
or swirling mist
living every day in dread

when blood was red

today is enough for me
today is my lifetime
today is telling everyone
that tomorrow may be gone
thus let bygones be bygones
till tomorrow comes
if tomorrow comes
I live another today