We must keep the eternal flame

An antiwar poem

Burning draft cards is 
     old-fashioned,
no need for pyro-protests 
     when volunteers stoke
     the boiler's flame.

Which burns even stronger now —
The citizen fire brigade 
     long extinguished.
Money printers roll unthreatned,
     powered by this eternal flame,
     fueled by a sacrificial flock.

But barbaric rituals
     no longer revolt —
when lambs willingly walk 
     into the pyre.
With thanks, 
     we pet their wool and 
     wish them well.
Without their offering, 
     the gears will stop.

The burning bleating
     eventually fades —
As we sit silently and
     enjoy our meals
     in peace.

And tonight the chef 
     has prepared Shepherd's Pie —
perfectly paired with 
     an imported Chianti.
Served traditionally —
     freshly minced,
     local lamb.

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Many thanks to

Benno

for sharing an impromptu voice-over!