Light is fading on the slaughter

light is fading from their eyes.

They’ve neither food nor water

and deaths can only rise.

The children trapped in war zones

will never be the same.

The children killed in war zones

are buried with no name.

There’s depravity in tyrants,

who value power gained through strife

and claim atrocities that happen

are a normal part of life,

so infants die from hour to hour

while monsters cling to power.

Janet Upcher has lectured in English and French Literature, is a published author of fiction, drama and poetry, and has worked as a freelance editor. Outside the world of literature, she runs marathons.