the warring spirit

must live in the hearts of those

who would create peace

on this planet

at this time

the meek will indeed rise

but we are not what we seem

it is time.

and it is not something we conjure

from nothing

it is not something

that anyone—even a child—

with vision enough

couldn't see coming

but simply,

so simply,

the kismet

of the killing kind

we have been the prisoners of patriarchs

of puerile mind

for so long now

that the darkness produced us

prodigal children alike

born across the thinnest line in existence

and ready now

having suffered

at the hands of our proclivities

long enough

to turn them towards providence

—finally, and at no one's behest—

and let the war come to us

so take heart

offender

fighter

user

violator

—none of it was without purpose

warriors must first know shame

if they are to learn to tame the beast

this is why war-paint

is fashioned from ashes

yes, we are the children of our fathers

and the hunger remains

but the master's due process

is at hand

and we are so much less afraid

because we know their game

and how it is played

and it is this

that gives us the power

and the courage

to take the steps

towards a new offering

and illuminate the path of life

where they, the rulers of this planet

have only, ever

succeeded in strife

Image: Mashikomo