Home » Poems » Terry Ireland » Old Men ii

Old Men ii

If old men fought the wars
Would there be quite so many?
Maybe we’d reach a stage
Where we’d not fight any.
Life becomes more precious
With the passing of years 
The realisation of mortality
Bringing its own fears.

Let the young live their lives,
No longer treated like cattle
Marshalled and forced to 
Fight the old mens’ battles.

Let the old men go
To fight their own wars
Don’t conscript the future to
Go die for another’s  cause.
If old men did the fighting
Perhaps there’d be more trying
To find a different solution if
Old men faced the risk of dying.

(D-Day 6th June 1944)

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Tom Woody

Date: 6/5/2024 5:31:00 AM

Unlikely my friend, since it's generally old(er) men who initiate wars to begin with. No, war just needs to end, period - Psalm 46:9

Tom Woody
Date: 6/5/2024 7:16:00 AM

It's in the mail...

Terry Ireland
Date: 6/5/2024 7:07:00 AM

Sadly so true Tom. I suggested a compromise to our Prime Minister - one politician to be based with every active service unit, and go into action when they do. Didn't, of course, even get an acknowledgement.