SANCTUARY

It was thought, from medieval times,

there were places of safety,

somewhere out there, sacred,

out-of-bounds for warriors.

Alas! No more.

Those beautiful temples, cathedrals and holy sites,

buried, broken, burned and

desecrated,

the people written off as Collateral Damage,

and justified as Necessity,

whether babies, their mothers

or the sick and dying;

whether by bombing power stations

and civilian tower blocks, 

or poisoning water supplies

hospitals, schools, who cares!

Scorched Earth strategies

are resorted to, regardless.

Were the times of chivalry and honour 

just a matter of showmanship and horsemen?

Before we found the use of wheels

and thought of social media? 

But there is a sanctuary within us

that no-one can touch,

even if it kills us.

A fearless core beyond any courage or rage -

beyond any words or aspirations.