Sense Sonnet - Acher

How Not to Play War

Early on into World War I
1914, a Christmas truce,
The fighting turned to sportful fun,
As games of soccer were let loose.
For just one day the war did cease,
And all resentments set aside.
And soldiers got some sense of peace,
Which flickered that day, but then died.
Because the war powers that be,
Most safely away from the front,
Deemed the Christmas truce unwarly,
And soccer just a childish stunt.

If humans could just wage less war,
Settle by playing soccer more.