Reflection on Human Sacrifice and War

lie humanity tells itself is

that we have outgrown human sacrifice.

We call it by different names now and make our offering to different gods.

We offer young men we call soldiers as if the designation means that their

mothers cry less when they die.

We call masses of humanity collateral damage

and turn our eyes away from the pictures of their lifeless bodies

as we sip our morning coffee.

And the truth is we don't do it because we are heartless.

We do it because we believe that it is necessary for the world to keep running.

We do it because we believe that the gods whose favor we so desperately seek

freedom, security,

prosperity, flourishing,

that they demand blood at the price of their paper.

We do it because we cannot see any other choice.

That some need to die for the world to flourish.