Not In My Name (A Villanelle)

"Kill for peace, is what we proclaim."
The message spread 'cross the land.
Some thought they heard, "not in my name."

"The enemy will put us to shame,
Their threat is bound to expand!
Kill for peace is what we proclaim."

Thinking ones pondered the claim,
Then fervently took a stand.
Some thought they heard, "not in my name."

"We're right and share no blame."
A full scale war was planned.
"Kill for peace is what we proclaim."

What's this insidious game
To murder upon command?
Some thought they heard, "not in my name."

"The patriot's conscience we'll flame;
It's God's will, this plan so grand.
Kill for peace is what we proclaim."
Some thought they heard, "not in my name."

(C)2003, Myrliss Hershey