Veterans have claims upon the
hearts
Even of those who railed against their wars.
The years of sacrifice transcend the cause,
Endured through agonies no word imparts.
Reason cannot comprehend such hell,
As strangers murder strangers out of duty.
Nor does the bleak, obscene, nightmarish beauty
Stop haunting dreams that love and rage compel.
Decency demands we do them honor,
Albeit with a hatred of the horror
Yet harrowing our world, alive and
well.
Copyright by Nicholas Gordon. Free for personal or non-commercial use.
Audio and Video Music: Life. By Damiano Baldoni. Performed by Damiano Baldoni at the
Free Music Archive under an Attribution license.