an eye for an eye––
is an ancient formula
for blindness
the proportions
have changed:
for every one of us,
five hundred of theirs
for two, we should take
10,000
for one missile
falling in a field:
a hospital, a school
or a ministry
for two, one city block,
maybe ten
we are not troubled
by enemy casualties
because evil
has a human face,
& democracies must be
taught to make practical
choices
as fires rage &
images of black
smoke & blood
invade tv screens
across the world,
choking anger &
fear erupt
in the hearts
of so many
we do not care
because we are
the Beloved of God
& our sugar daddies
approve––
just ask any
of our purchased
& properly subservient
politicians
the ancient formula
that never fails
begins with
money––
the sacrament
of power