Empty Victory

• Aidan Mcshane, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2015

The contradictions of war I begrudge,
Its outcome, contrary to its intent.
Zealous men seek to protect those they love,
While truly creating prolonged torment.
A leading chapter of life they pursue,
Yet the spilling of blood, rivals inflict.
Rightly, their lives are remembered, though through,
We glorify the sickening conflict.
So riddled with irony and deceit,
Despite many detesting and loathing,
We humans thrive on power and defeat,
It is inherent, time is exposing.
Hence, we must accept, though we can lament,
We can traverse, yet we cannot prevent.