In the underbelly of towering
columns of mortar and glass
I walk for peace
The sky is festooned in banners
of various sizes and colors
The street is filled with anti-war activists
Men and women
babies in strollers
police in riot-gear battle ready
on the homefront
before the bombs begin to fall
I walk for peace
I see it in my mind’s eye,
The stress of battle
The cry of agony
Motherless babies and
Fatherless sons.
I see it in my mind’s eye,
Collateral damage
The din of war
The chant of prayers
Smart bombs, dummy bombs, bunker busters gone wild,
Bustering homes and schools.
Fear, loathing, body bags, moneybags
The spoils of war
I walk for peace
San Francisco 2003