What is a War?

With eyes glued to the t.v.

I sat quietly with my baby cousin

The news never changed.

Warning sirens in the background.

Presidents delivering speeches.

I was about to switch channels

As though to run away

From bullets chasing me.

When my cousin asked a simple

Yet complicated question

"What is a war?

Is it a game?"

Speechless- I don't know what to say.

I played deaf.

But his innocent eyes questioned me

His hands held mine.

I told him

"Someday my dear, you'll understand."