Collateral damage

Little boy, fat man dropped, mushroom clouds
A war won, cities of death, collateral damage
Successful deals, firm handshakes, Swiss bank accounts
Oil boom, ozone depletion, collateral damage
Big smiles, flashing cameras, bombastic speeches
Divided borders, families lost, collateral damage
Chinese whispers, sectarian clashes, blood overflow
Political clout, broken society, collateral damage
Karo kari, honour killing, Haq bakhshish
Love less, child less, collateral damage
Stove burst, acid attack, Vani
Male pride, female humility, collateral damage
Sweet words, honeyed eyes, defection
Deception, destroyed faith, collateral damage
Words of love, promises, affirmation
Lost honour, broken heart, collateral damage

(Feb 2011)