Your sworn enemy of today tomorrow might be your friend <br />And things are very different when hostilities end <br />And in any disagreement one party not all to blame <br />But when ageing men send young men and women for them to die in that I see great shame. <br /> <br />Those who start war should lead their troops in war that's how 'twould seem to me <br />And if they die on the battlefield of them we would be free <br />If to the battle they led their troops some respect they might command <br />But that they should expect young people to die for them is something I don't understand. <br /> <br />The war that was supposed to end all wars took place more than eighty years ago <br />And there has been many wars since and peace we've yet to know <br />And despite man's advanced technology man's achievements only small <br />We still have wars which goes to prove that we've not learned much at all. <br /> <br />The poor in war always suffer most their humble homes destroyed <br />And don't tell them that the World out there is welcoming and wide? <br />There is no welcome anywhere for poor war refugees <br />And many in over crowded camps die of malnutrition and disease. <br /> <br />Those who start war should fight in war that's how it ought to be <br />And if they die then so be it of them we would be free <br />But they won't go to battle they make others go instead <br />And they will give the eulogy to honour the war dead.<br /><br />Francis Duggan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/those-who-start-war/
