Vicious cycle

Murders and massacres,
lies and broken promises.
Grievous atrocities
committed by all.
Such savagery
is beyond today's imagination.
Brutal acts perpetrated
by our grandparent's grandparents.

So little time removed,
it's hard to fathom.

One hundred years ago,
"civilized" peoples
acted like barbarians.
Escalating violence,
no end to bloodshed,
no end to betrayal.

How many died?
How many lives ruined?

Greed and vengeance,
eye for an eye justice.
Where did it get them?
Were they proud?
Did they understand?

What have we learned?
We are still at war.
Though with different people,
the blood still flows.
Perhaps it will never stop.