sometimes i wake up
and think
'so close'
i had been so close
to brokering a peace
to having everyone sit
at the table and
talk their differences out
i'd almost made it
but it was not meant to be
what with the way you left
in such a calculated hurry
leaving not even the truth
behind
the schism runs deep, now
each side entrenched, blind
brandishing weapons on hilltops
with cries, banners and bagpipes
but blind
some want me exiled
spit at my feet
shove me away
eyes bloodshot, bulging
mouths foaming, curses through
gritted teeth
others will tolerate my presence
but they are poisoned, mutilated
they cannot forgive you
a third party watches, only,
though at times i can hear
their quiet laughter in the wind
and see their eyes, dead,
trained on me
none can have what they want.
we get news of warring countries
from across the planet, and watch
with cold-hearted fascination
footage of the bombs
waving structures away
we catch glimpses of the people
with nothing left,
not even hope
but your discomfort fades
and the buildings burning in the distance
and your remorse, your grief
your burdens of conscience, all fades
so life is allowed
to go on
for those who leave.