We wore plaid on the day of the event
Because our ancestors did.
We melt iron and steel to forge weapons
It worked so well to kill what we thought
Were our enemies
That we didn’t even question the morality
Of the absolute resolve it required
To take as many lives
As we needed
To fulfill our obligation.
Now we wear bracelets
To proclaim how life
Is so important to us
That we needn’t kill it
Before it has a chance
To take its first breath.
We wandered aimlessly in all directions
Looking for anything
We could steal from those
That had less than we did.
The covenant we held so dear
Listed no rules of engagement
Nor did it emphasize
The requirement
Of all the collateral damage.
We sit at large tables
Laughing at treaties
Meant to save lives.
Silence is our only truth
Everything else,
Literally everything
Is a lie.
Josephine Ranes 
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