The Age Demanded
The age demanded blood and steel,
and all armies are the same—
young men sent with flags to kneel
before the gunfire’s claim.
Along with youth, the captives fade,
their voices lost in sand,
while nations carve the price they’ve paid
with trembling, bloodstained hands.
I like Americans, bold and free,
I like Canadians, too,
but war makes strangers bend the knee
to orders they never knew.
Killed—too soon, their stories end,
shock writes silence in their stead,
ultimately, the good guys bend,
and good guys, too, lie dead.
The soul of Israel still cries tonight,
to a Jewish Christian’s song,
to those who fought an upright fight
Yet both right and wrong belong.
Advice for tomorrow—speak truth, not lies,
stand tall, though battle’s grim.
For those who march with fearless eyes,
may peace remember them.
The Age Demanded
From the blog
About the Author: Sarah B. Royal
Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.
Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.
Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.
Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.
WoPoLi 
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