How Many Deaths?

Desert sands are burning,      
A fire fueled by hatred & fear    
So many lives & cities destroyed    
And for what?    
     
"How deaths will it take till we know      
That too many people have died?"(*)      
     
Meanwhile...    
Mother just wants to feed her family      
Children  want to play in peace      
And meet their friends at school      
And know that they have a future      
     
Isn't it sad when the children      
are more adult      
Than the leaders of ancient lands      
Who should perhaps know better?      
     
How many deaths will it take  
To satisfy  the grim reaper's lust?   
     
________________________      
(* To slightly paraphrase Bob Dylan)