Gary Beck
Homo Homini Lupus
In the lowlands of Mozambique
a new technology of war,
the child soldier, swept Africa
and later the rest of the world.
The immature killing machines
sliced their way through the villages
bringing fire and destruction
to the innocent in their path.
For the warlords seeking plunder
children were the perfect weapon,
fearless and manipulable
and the most important reason,
they came in an endless supply
.
Once the young killers were unleashed
on the local population,
who were only considered prey,
they murdered relentlessly,
never concerned with hearts and minds,
not needing popular support,
just approval from their masters
for carrying out their orders,
to inflict bloody massacres
on the targets they selected.
These were not hallowed warriors
respected by those they protected.
For them there will be no parades.
No trumpets will sing their praises.
If they are even remembered,
it will be with pity or hate.
Gary Beck's poetry has appeared in dozens of literary magazines. His chapbook, 'Remembrance' was published by Origami Press, 'The Conquest of Somalia', was published by Cervena Barva Press. A collection of poems 'Days of Destruction' is being published by Skive Press. His recent fiction has been published in numerous literary magazines. His plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes, and Sophocles have been produced Off-Broadway.
(author retains copyright)
