Through our oafish deeds,
we disown our scheming acts-
when, while planning, arranging,
pursuing peace,
we prepare for savage wars.

 

The salient features of any wars
are their war crimes;
shaken truces, broken worlds, left
tottering far behind.
We bring out other worlds,
measuring: ravaging battles
burning flesh amid battle-cries.

 

Wars are never fair.
How can there be fair victories,
or peaceful wars?
We all know that.
But people can be different!
Some are never out of becoming devils:
slaughtering children,
and making widows out of fresh brides.

 

2009

                          

Geeta Chhabra