Tarnished Idols
It used to be mardy gods unleashing
Thunderbolts from the skies, but they have been
Superseded by those who are between
Demagogues and demiurges, ceasing
To regard common humanity
As other than expendable. They see
Themselves as supreme dealers of destiny,
Prime moulders of nationalist vanity.
Drones and missiles are their bolts from the blue,
Striking schools, hospitals, apartment blocks,
Rendered to ruin by reasoning that mocks
Reason, by insisting the lie is true.
Not by sanction, reprisal nor moral force
Can leaders be led to a change of course.
D. A.