There at my feet my comrade lies <br />as though he were but fast asleep. <br />Death came and took him by surprise. <br /> All soldiers know that life is cheap. <br /> <br />As does each politician. <br />Whose lies persuade young men to go <br /> and sign on as a fighting man. <br />Because they are too young to know. <br /> <br />Their country’s leaders are not wise. <br /> Although they all profess to be <br />They all refuse to recognise <br /> in war there is no victory. <br /> <br />Except the claims which death will make. <br />That he has added to his score <br />the lives he’s taken and will take. <br />In this and any future war. <br /> <br />It has been so through history. <br />Old men send young men to die <br />and praise them for their bravery <br />Although they lie and know they lie. <br /> <br />Dead heroes are of little use. <br />Of course we praise their memory. <br />It takes a brave man to refuse <br />to go and face the enemy. <br /> <br />Though some accept they will not kill <br /> but tend wounded where they can <br />They are prepared to use their skill <br />to help not harm their fellow man. <br /> <br />01/05/2009 <br />http: // blog.myspace.com/poeticpiers<br /><br />ivor or ivor.e hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/true-heroes-2/
