Book Burning

When the cameras were pointed elsewhere,
When we were distracted by whatever we were distracted by
The person dispensing hatred under
The banner of Jesus
Burned the Holy Book of Islam...
And set off another round of violence
Ending in the deaths of people who weren't responsible
But were somehow deemed
"Guilty by association."

The pastor who burned the Book
Claimed to be making a statement
About the violence of Islam.
With his provocative act he
Set violence in motion, which, may have
Proved his point to others easily influenced.
Those who reacted to this offense with violence,
While attempting to defend the honor of their faith,
Further buttressed the claims of the
Mind-Fried-Book-Burner.

Burning books.
Burning flags.
Burning mosques.
Burning crosses.
Burning churches.
Burning temples.
Burning houses.
Burning people.

Humans have burned it all...
In the name of "righteousness";
In the name of "justice";
In the name of "freedom";
In the name of "protest";
In the name of "revenge";
In the name of God
(By whatever name we call God.)

How is it
We can set the fires of destruction
Giving so little thought about
How those very fires we ignite
Have the power
To burn us up too?