Cease fire,

What ceasefire?

When gunshots are popping

Like fireworks in the night sky?

Does fire put out fire?

Does a stray bullet know where it belongs?

What is ceasefire?

When fear in the air

Sticks to our bodies like a wet blanket

When babies know to hold their cry,

What is ceasefire?

After rape has robbed women

Of their ribbons,

And flies? rise

With the stench of rotting flesh

What is Ceasefire?

When children keep vigil

Over dead bodies brewing oil for future drill

What is ceasefire?

When a camouflaged figure

Sends shivers to the bone

When nights are dreaded

Because dusk

Leaves behind, untold tales,

Of pain and sorrow

What is ceasefire?

When unquenched blood thirst

Drinks from the innocent

When over and over

The ceasing of fire is only a tale?

What is Ceasefire

When scars imprinted

Cannot be erased

When darkness stains

Pure cotton memory

What is Ceasefire

Without fire ceasing?