I feel I should clarify that I'm not a pacifist or anti-war; there are valid reasons for violent actions and to quote a favorite historical figure, Sun Tzu, "War is of vital importance for the state." War and/or small-scale violence carried out in self-defense, the defense of family/friends/innocent victims, the defense of a nation from an invading force or even the preemptive destruction of an enemy who actively attempts to become a significant threat are the only valid reasons to fight. Wars fought for any other reason are inherently less valid and an utter waste of life. A desire for land, gold, oil, or petty personal matters such as a certain king having his wife seduced and stolen by a young prince are no reasons to send soldiers off to die; this poem reflects that opinion.