Rest in Peace

No need for a Nobel Peace
Prize in a world that loves
death above all else, where
killers pray for salvation

under blood-red moons
and liars rule liars with iron
promises of hope and glory.
So cancel the charade,

end this pantomime for
nothing noble is worshiped
here, nothing prized but
battlefield slaughter

and body counts and where
peace is just a word hiding
in the cruel mouths
of criminals who spit it

out softly over descending
caskets: May he rest in peace,
may she rest in peace. May
you rest in peace. Peace?

Paul Lojeski's poetry has appeared in journals and online. He’s also the author of the satiric novel, The Reverend Jimmy Pup. He lives with his wife and daughter in Port Jefferson, NY. Read other articles by Paul.