Poetry

Pardon My Munitions

Post Big Stick Diplomacy

Photo by Евгений Новиков on Unsplash

I okay now that you’ve expressed yourself militarily and thrown a righteous tantrum unilaterally on lands and peoples far beyond your shores take a moment, maybe two reflect upon the damage done compared to manufactured sleights received

communities reduced to ash wreckage watered in the blood bodies pulped and souls erased survivors traumatised and spent many were your own all collateral not target of your rhetoric

that ilk soldiers on emboldened in their victimhood ensconced in smoking ruin they wear it like a crown and draw their people in

II now what hubris or humility

hubris in the light of overwhelming victory the urge to crow to beat your chest and celebrate demanding retribution drives wedges banks embers rubs salt in wounds solidifies old enmities and sets a darkened stage bully for you bully

humility in the light of overwhelming destruction share grief for loss gratitude for peace find common ground build bridges bind wounds with balm both theirs and yours and in the closeness that ensues wonder why the fireworks

III whenever might is exercised domestic or abroad especially when justified should give the wielder pause pause and consider what was missed perhaps it’s time for change

© 2026 Frederick Andrew ~ All Rights Reserved