The cost of War

We may justify war, citing defence and security;
We may condemn it, invoking peace and humanity.
We may blame it on religion, politics of region, or the gaping historical scars.
We may loathe hate-breeders, overambitious leaders, or their ravenous thirst for power.

But the ones who know it’s impact the most,
are the ones who pay an exorbitant cost.
Let’s go and ask a soldier’s mother, his kids and wife,
who have been stranded in war for the rest of their lives.

Ask the young woman carrying her newborn (or unborn) child, walking miles;
or kids who had to leave their toys and books, at the mercy of missiles.
The cost of war isn’t measured in dollars spent or trade affected,
it’s measured in terms of families shattered and lives impacted.

There’s no winner that emerges from war.
The only things that do emerge, are
the cries of bereaved, the vacuum in their families;
the pain of refuge, and the shameful defeat of humanity.

We may justify war or condemn it as we may,
But the ones who know it’s cost, are the ones who have to pay.