Remember?

Young men boated capped and gunned
chasing a spooned noble ideal
euphoria wears under water soaked feet,
gray translucent skin falling away...
torn limbs dismember ideals
leaving base reality. 

Young women gathered at docks
smiling to a played adolescent pride,
waving slow through fears of widowhood,
somber still days falling away...
scratched notes of fallen neighbors
removes plumed mass ego. 

Young children running gardens
telling tales of fathers' valor
miniature reenactments of pressed heroics,
summer days yet to fall away...
medals received with flag draped box
confuses bravery's ploy.  

Old men smoking cigars
trumping the perpetual cause
debating tantamount strategies and treaties
knowing days will fall away...
no memory of past blood, widows, or fathers gone
a world fatigued marches on

_______________________

Around November 11 I was reflecting on war and whether or not Remembrance Day holds any significance for me. This piece came out of that reflection. The debate goes on about how people like Hitler and some of the other incarnations of evil have to be stopped and I totally agree. But at the same time I think a disrespect for life is to be found at the root of all. And believe it or not, we do not get to blame society, because it is we as individuals who create society and what it stands for.

War sucks!! and anyone who has tried to convince anyone of anything different is lying! I respect those who have died and do not dishonor them... but I have no problem dishonoring people who believe life is worth sacrificing and set about convincing others of the same.