Civilians

they are just civilians
we are barely civil to them and
only at times.
it's gonna take a million
bodies piled and killed to
show them we can fight.

they are just civilians
we are barely civil to them and
only at times.
and we are your citizens
burrowing beneath your skin
and crawling up your spine.

they are just civilians
fighting for their place in
the company of men.
SSHHH! we're holding still
waiting for the thrill of
surprising you again.

you watch yourself
you guard yourself
you are not yourself
you are not yet safe

boys i can fight!
please let me fight

the treaties of civilians.
we will fire at will and
from behind the lines.
you who once were children
stand and stare where buildings
became crimes.