For the present world, they are seen as villains
But they were a response to invading forces
A rise of one culture was necessitated by the fall of another
But the Crusades happened for a reason
Not hate, not greed, not evil
Nothing happens within a vacuum
When one side invaded Spain
The fight to slow the tide
Lit the torches
Bad things happened, yes
Violence and slaughter wiped out innocents
Yes, this was not a good thing
But don't believe in illusions
Invading forces entered Europe
Only stopped at Tours
And the desire to liberate all lands
From the invading armies
Led to overreach
Led to Crusades
Against those who tried
To make all believe the same
