Mathematics

A birds-eye view of about six sets of hands, stacked on top of one another

There is no algebra for death.
No life lost cancels out another.
The idea that there is some other
side to the equation is a lie
perpetrated by centuries of war and revenge.
There is no other side. You cannot subtract
and equalize the equation.

There is an addition of loss,
grief upon grief upon grief.
There is a multiplication of loss,
ripples of sorrow expanding
through families, friends, communities, nations.
Division is a choice.
Division is a choice.