Please do not cry havoc

Sonnet

The European dogs of war, grown old
wake from their kennels, ears pricked to the thud
a giant brown bear looms, above the fold 
her nose is wet, and her paws - soaked with blood

canine bellies full, appetites have waned
sharing meat, so all could eat, and grow fat
green fields to run, which once ran red, and stained 
in loss, bark softened, lustless to combat

the eagle with the long talons, perched high
shifts eyes in shock, as the bear climbs on claws 
the world tree threatens to collapse and die 
we are all tired from long and costly wars

no more cries of havoc, Putin, please cease
no more unhinged escalations. Choose peace. 

© Darius the Mate 28-02-2022