WAR

If glory be in war;
  Call to fighting cause.
Sounding trumpet, bugle blare;
  Forward body, nation's duty, spirited care.
Arms and regiments, bodies dead with empty stares.

Held with spellbound stare;
  Pausing, thinking, wondering, looking, hoping.
Regal dress, early morn;
  Firm bodies lined in splendid form.
On fields with buttons ready - press!

Leaders, heroes, wealthy dealers;
  Spurring, urging, telling, convincing - fight!
Just cause at dawn;
  Belief, action, halt, retreat.
Life has lost its normal beat.

Horror at sights in view;
  Crying, wailing, maiming, slaughter, death!
History speaks, sad regrets.
  History speaks sad regrets.
Victor, vanquished, tears of fear, hearts upset.

Count the dead, write strategies won;
  Planning, removing, rebuilding, stop killing!
Another wrong, and convolute;
  Duty, action, questions fall.
Human beings dead, lies fed - salute!

Poem by Courtenay Francis Raymond Barnett