Children Of War Poem by louis rams

I see babies crying, and children dying, and parents
Trying to protect their young, as they are told that
They must carry a gun.
Taken from their families and always living in fear
And that every one is the enemy- except the ones here.
(Then why do they hide their faces?)
Is it because they are ashamed that they are the ones to blame!

They are given food and possibly a roof over their heads
And told that their families are dead.
That they were taken away from their families to save their lives
And that their parents had to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Brain washed and hungry and living in fear and told
To wipe away their tears and to take this rifle for this is your friend
It must be with you till the end.

Becoming a soldier at such a young age, not having a childhood
"These terrorists are to blame."
Many are drugged so they have no control
Except to do what they are told.
Then they claim to be soldiers of war?
using children is piss poor!