We read the history books
The death and destruction
That happened time
And time again
But remembering is futile,
Without total and complete consensus
War will happen again

The memories of the Elders
While we sit on the lap of danger
We are listening in awe
and disbelief
It could never happen here

Ten thousand dead!
The headlines blare
In some alternate universe
Separate from our cushioned existence

Their lives are marked by tragedy
Ours by the tragedy we have escaped
Our army is only numbers
Theirs dear departed souls

Their stories are separated by a barrier
Faceless, courageous people
Risk their lives each day
While we sit

And read the history books