"Slurs during wartime"
not enough time left to wonder
why we choose the way to say things
not enough slack
on the tautening rope
pulling you
to more intricate cruelty,
one which you will be
forced to defend
in face of a crueler one
there is nothing better on the horizon
so why not be each others' enemies
just to stir up the ennui
what instructs you to bristle
like a wounded animal
at just the suggestion
of kindness and understanding
why is bigotry ok at your enemy
why is quoting a fascist verbatim fine
just 'cause its laundered through
a revolutionary mouth
why does wartime permit this