Primer

It’s easy, starting up a war.
Don’t finger power-mad leaders who
dazzle a crowd with fake folklore –

they’re pushing at an open door,
although to say so is taboo.
Hot tip for triggering a war –

peace has a fundamental flaw:
it fails to signify who’s who.
Spin fools a victimhood folklore

then listen to their Groupthink roar
and watch them swell your retinue –
they want it too, if you want war.

Those who survive are grateful for
calm years whose charms feel (briefly) new.
Inflame dumb crowds with dud folklore

since harmony cannot endure,
a truth known to the clear-eyed few.
What does it take to start a war?
Tell them they’re victims. Stir in folklore.

Tom Vaughan

If you have any thoughts on this poem,  Tom Vaughan would be pleased to hear them.