roycrosse War & Peace

Preface
the Spirit Temple by roycrosse.

In the weeks before the mission the chosen one spoke to his people and they were excited, seeking retribution from the “evil doers” he cried out for blood, the blood of their enemies. And the people asked, “who are our enemies oh chosen one, and why do they hate us”? The chosen one answered: ask no questions, I know who they are, follow me and I will lead you to a free and wonderful world. Confident in his might, the chosen one will draw upon armies from the East and the West, the North and the South. Young men and women cross oceans to fight a hard long fight and die a hard death.

Limbs torn from torsos, torso from head again and again, their blood dirty bodies litter the pavements of unfamiliar cities carved from ancient soil. Flowers, snuffed out before they bloom, gardens die and families left wanting. On both sides of the battle, children left unattended fend for themselves. But the land of peace would elude the chosen.

Years go by - stiff bodies return, but the chosen one could not rest, stirred up by his own words he would find new and zestful enemies born in the shadows of old, and with renewed calls to “stay ” the wars continue no end in sight. The armies had no way to know when the fight was won.

In time the people raise their voices, but alas they were not heard, way too distant were the sounds of war, way too high the pitch, and the benefactors too rich

But now the people are afraid and uncertain, their neighbors are suspect while loyalties lay bare at the cross - roads. Soon the flag will wear thin, voices will fade, the armies will tire, and father-less boys will grow into angry men. Hushed in their fear the people turn their heads, there; they are silent … are they listening? Can they still see the carnage, can they smell the stench of death on their uniform sons and daughters, do they feel victorious…can they see the enemy now?