WAR Poem: HORSEMAN #1, by Dee Allen.

Seven seals break
On a sacred book a prophet
Saw in his vision, bringing on
Our downfall.

One of the seals break
And he appears:
An armoured rider on a white horse
Turned deep red

From countless foes
From countless battles,
Much like his body suit—
Once chrome—shiny, showy—

He raises no flag, but
Quick to raise his sword, swift in his gauntlet fist.
He represents no kingdom, but
Serves many kings, with wishes to extend their rule.

Anywhere he rides,
His mounted presence incites the use of weapons.
Land mines, launched grenades,
Chattering M-16s, hollow point shots—

Young soldiers fall on
Either side of the field.
The long trail of dead uniformed
Flesh from his hasty, violent ride.

Last known whereabouts:
Myanmar, West Papua,
Ukraine, Congo, Haiti,
Lebanon, Iran, occupied Palestine.

Anywhere he charges
Into fiery disagreements
Petty rich men start,
There’s never

Enough blood
To slake
The twisted knight’s
Supreme thirst.

Anytime the threat of the Apocalypse
Presents itself, the horseman will show and
He’s never alone. His support comes as 3 dreaded followers:
Pestilence, Famine, Death.

To most,
The travelling
First horseman with bloodied armour
Is inevitable War.