The Tribute Poem by George Murdock

Who will furnish the garb of the warrior
arm him with helmet and spear?
Who's crest on his breast plate and armor
Who's voice shall the warrior revere?
Who will send him into battle to wage war
with purpose unclear?
Who will stand by his grave mound in tribute
never touched by terror or fear?
I will stand by his widow and cover her face with a shroud
and stand by his orphaned children
as the drums and the cannons applaud.
It is me the purveyor of weapons
it is me the pontiff of State
I paved his path of destruction
and armed his trigger of fate.
I was the voice of a nation, it was me who sent him to die
but you will not here me say this
for I've mastered the telling of lies.
Someday I'll have need of his children
and they will not ask me why.
They will serve with pride and distinction
as the drums and the cannons reply..