Closer To the Killing Fields

Quite often I catch myself Watching old movies About America’s great wars And find myself humbled and awed by the sacrifices Of so many countless souls. Since our War for Independence America’s been engaged In one momentous battle after another Which some have argued and always will, That some of these have been for ill-gotten gains And needless blood was spilled. Never the less, I readily confess I’m envious of our heroes Who fought and died While others have survived With deep seated wounds and scars That may never heal. One can only imagine how They must think and feel. And although I also did my duty For many years in uniform; Never once did battle find me, My mind or body torn. For which I’m thankful beyond measure And yet wishful I might have been Closer to the killing fields Like so many other good men.