The New Deceit

As rebel AK 47’s crack,
Through the streets and alleys of Iraq,
As RPG’s and IED’s
Turn convoys into sharp Swiss cheese,
The death toll climbs the ladder
Of despair. The gray matter
Of those who have brought us to this abyss
Show what heartless minds can miss.
The new ship of state is Pre-emptive War. The old lie,
“Dulce et decorum est por patria mori,”
Has been superseded by the new deceit: “We
Must make the world safe for democracy.”

David Mills has a BA and MA in English Literature. He also has a JD and has retired from the practice of law after 35 years. His first love has been reading and writing poetry, especially modern poets, who he often attempts to emulate in his own poetry. Read other articles by David.