Listening To A Beautiful Woman Singing The Songs Of War Poem by RIC BASTASA

they all left their homes and sailed on pumped boats
to the other island
children all gathered like some dried grits of maize
while their fathers stand and hold their hands on their brows
looking for the right direction
their mothers covering their faces
with veils
bringing all the necessities
that will last them for only a few days

this is the quick way to save their lives
from an ongoing war
when the enemies attack their homes

the only one left in their silent place
is this beautiful woman
singing on top of her voice
in acapella the songs of war
and death

some blood will again flow
more men shall be killed
as history repeats
itself

good men doing nothing
except to follow orders of the lying queen