True Heroes Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

There at my feet my comrade lies
as though he were but fast asleep.
Death came and took him by surprise.
All soldiers know that life is cheap.

As does each politician.
Whose lies persuade young men to go
and sign on as a fighting man.
Because they are too young to know.

Their country’s leaders are not wise.
Although they all profess to be
They all refuse to recognise
in war there is no victory.

Except the claims which death will make.
That he has added to his score
the lives he’s taken and will take.
In this and any future war.

It has been so through history.
Old men send young men to die
and praise them for their bravery
Although they lie and know they lie.

Dead heroes are of little use.
Of course we praise their memory.
It takes a brave man to refuse
to go and face the enemy.

Though some accept they will not kill
but tend wounded where they can
They are prepared to use their skill
to help not harm their fellow man.

01/05/2009
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