The Ashes of Time

The ripples
swell into monstrous cyclones. 

Libraries burnt,
philosophies twisted,
the canvas
tarnished–
the bitterness
seeps into generations.  

With every betrayal of peace,
with every cry for arms,
we fall back
by many years. 

The cycle
starts again
with a clean slate,
hidden stains,
and a burdened conscience.