The issues provoke a great war machine,
Opinions launched do fill the air.
So hard to find space in between.
Appearances vary of what can be seen,
A selection can have its fanfare.
The issues provoke a great war machine.
A violent response seems so obscene,
Tranquility rests as a silent prayer.
So hard to find space in between.
Shall we call a meeting to convene?
Of the options, all are aware,
The issues provoke a great war machine.
From set views, we must ourselves wean,
To change one’s view is a dare.
So hard to find space in between.
Genocide’s a call for what may not be seen.
If misused, it is a bugbear.
The issues provoke a great war machine.
So hard to find space in between.
Francis Conlon is a retired and recovering teacher. For the past 20 years, he has worked as a seasonal river ranger and boat inspector at Yampa River State Park in northwest Colorado. He has published in the local Valley Voice and in Westward Quarterly. He currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.