Today's Beautiful Gem: "Battle Won is Lost"
by (American Indian Poet) Phil George

"They said, `You are no longer a lad.' I nodded.
They said, `Enter the council lodge.' I sat.
They said, `Our lands are at stake.' I scowled.
They said, `We are at war.' I hated.
They said, `Prepare red war symbols.' I painted.
They said, `Count coups.' I scalped.
They said, `You'll see friends die.' I cringed.
They said, `Desperate warriors fight best.' I charged.
They said, `Some will be wounded.' I bled.
They said, `To die is glorious.' They lied."

Om s'aantih: Peace! - J. K. Mohana Rao

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