At War

Great men return from war - though boys they went In eager confidence – and permanent To meet a foe with ‘mutual intent’ ‘Til body, spirit, mind are stained and spent Brief Victory! One day, one battle won Grim ruin and remnants like the setting sun Are painted red as blood of those now gone ‘Til shadows and Night’s bleak oblivion come The listlessness of death infects the mind It sears the soul and burns emotion blind To all the things mankind does to mankind ‘Til better part of each is left behind When war is done to home do warriors strain To leave behind the vanquished and the slain Yet part of every soldier still remains At war ... ‘Til memory finds peace again