Friday, December 11, 2020

To Hear a Call


When an idea appears that a crusade or jihad seeks to fight
It is a high tide crest of a wave and seems to threaten all
Heart's response comes in defence an ideal, desire to protect
Ecstatic visions and answer to prayers leads some to act
This motivation leads to achievement, sends a foe to flight
Not every warrior hears the same voice, or a similar call
Some are moved by reward, never attempt to being perfect
Still, defending against an invader, or invading an alien land
Reflects a form of honor, can be a way to demonstrate faith
Even if it requires taking life with one's hand

In their efforts to impose universal worship, men have unsheathed their swords and killed one another. They have invented gods and challenged each other: "Discard your gods and worship mine or I will destroy both your gods and you!”  Fyodor Dostoyevsky