The General Revisited
The General stands at attention, West Point tall and straight
Gazing at row upon row of white headstones
On his shoulders lay the finality of their weight
Family, friends and patriots gone too soon
Heroes all and each one a heartfelt and generous boon
To those left behind grieving and staring at uninhabited rooms
The General remembers twin brothers Jake and Joe Farrell,
Mary and Linda Drake, only children of veteran Jim Merrill
Cpl. Tom Perkins, adopted orphan and amateur jockey
Reconnaissance scouts David Yee and Alfredo Pitney
Lives abruptly shorn, defiled by war, all lost forevermore
The General wonders if casualty lists will ever end
As faces and names boomerang relentlessly inside his head.
The General’s anguish remains hidden from sight and sound
Years of discipline and training keep his feelings internally bound
He’ll continue to issue battle planned orders of war knowing full well
The inevitable consequences will take him into despair and hell
As wounded and dead soldier counts are officially verified
Our finest assets, valiant and dedicated, are being sacrificed
The General raises his arm in a perfect salute
Tears form as he strains to keep his visage calm and resolute
Hoping his appearance and poise reflect his affection and respect
To his family members lost in battle to his overwhelming regret
(And to whom he and America owe a profound and unpayable debt)
Rifles fire, “Taps” resounds and all earthly obligations are offset
Soldiers are blessed and lovingly placed in military hallowed ground
As the General condemns the consequences in what all wars abound.
The General stands at attention, West Point tall and straight
Gazing at row upon row of white headstones
On his shoulders lay the finality of their weight
The General silently speaks to all who lie before him
“Listen up soldiers as I express your worth to country, kith and kin
You’re our Nation’s greatest assets, unique and country-true
We will always miss you and forever greatly mourn you
As we condemn the war that rendering your futures incomplete
I was country proud to serve with you
And military proud to command you, too,
I’m a better man and soldier having served on your behalf
In God’s loving hands may you rest in peace at last.”
Copyright © Carol Zic | Year Posted 2019
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