COMMERCIAL RITES

(At one time Hollywood planned a film 'based on' the sieges
of Falluja, No True Glory, and Fox TV a series called, Over There.)

The multiplex is packed: themed merchandise
Across the foyer spills, while franchisees
Of linked games swell the takings, hyped by lies -
"The liberated love our Apaches!"

I'd love to see such gunships sweep through malls,
Hosing to heavy metal through the throng,
And we'd be freed from stores and movie-halls
Which trade in 'rights' to slaughters,
                                            shamed and wrong.

                    (Apologies to Siegfried Sassoon)