I Am Not Men of War.
I've always been an atheist.
Why would I believe in fairy tales
invented to control me?
Those dangerous stalkers of the world,
with all their tools… sadistic toys
and lethal ploys,
Why would I join, or like,
Or with clipped wing
condone their cause of subjugating me?
I’ve seen the terror
in too many eyes.
I’ve heard blood curdling screams
and seen the dead lie gaping
on the ground.
I’ve seen the raped, both young and old,
and seen the scars of such barbarity
and ruthless savagery,
Inflicted in the name of Holiness
across the world.
My eyes are open wide.
My heart is as a jelly
that will never set
into that heartless mould.
Kristine Byrne
April 23rd 2019