Survival

Above the surface 

of the table

we are talking 

about the history of war

how technology bounds

when our system 

is under stress

and how heroes 

are formed like diamonds 

by forces too powerful 

to resist

under the tabletop

we are talking 

about survival 

can these hours 

of respite 

parachute us to safety

can our compassion 

our sympathy 

absorb the damage 

of the bitter and tedious 

evils of the day 

that we may 

continue flying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute#/media/File:FirstParachute.png