It does not have to be like this.
We don’t have to face each other down
behind tank sites
protected
seeking out
only new weaknesses.

We can escape our armor
and stare at each other
naked, unafraid.
We can work towards greater goals
and no longer look for ways to hurt.

Just come out of your shield
lower you guns
and see what a kinder
gentler world
can be –
gotcha!

You fell for that?
Sucker.