And Still the Troops Are Marching

...inspired by 'Dry Loaf' by Wallace Stevens The loaf is stretched, a wretched game, need is the arbiter of taste as pride takes on another meaning, duty is the call that summons, love and hunger mean the same. Hope directed to the cause, troops in uniform are marching, those left behind forever searching for reports of dead and wounded, bitter tears or strained applause. Hunger troubles starving children, and the hearts of those who've worried, servicemen and sweethearts, wives and mothers with their feelings buried, lives on hold, a crushing burden. Spring appears and goes unnoticed, the crocus unappreciated, flocks of starlings block the sun, black as the barrel of a gun, and still the troops are marching, marching. The sea is grey with gulls and smoke, waves broken like the battered land, sounds of conflict rise unceasing, troops advancing and retreating, marching, marching, 'til the bitter end.