It’s the words of comfort

uttered by a voice from behind

as they slip their arms around your waist

and their head pressed deep

into the space between your shoulders,

that for a brief moment make you forget

the tension you feel as the corroded sense

of perspective explodes in your head

when you remember

that they are spoiling for fights around you,

that humanity loves a brawl,

that the battle is never won,

that we never, ever learn,

that the dark conflict rages

that nations will always clash,