I cannot count numbers killed.
I have lost count of countries
their names, history, geography
I have forgotten their politics too
who is allied to who
which one is whose enemy.
I had heard of cold wars once
but now I know things are burning
in a furnace.
I have messed continents, forgetting their names
and which country is in which.
I know continents of hope
tumbling like bricks on greasy grounds.
I have forgotten communities
yes, I recall the European Community
aspiring for unity
but I’ve messed with the world
and, of course, my country
forgotten solidarity, camraderie.
My arithmetic loses vision
I cannot count numbers dead
nor of the living.
Source