Songs of War

Songs of War What War Songs Will You Sing? About the war that was to end them, “Over There,” “Keep the Home First Burning,” “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary?” Were our parents’ lullabies until that “end” And then, “The White Cliffs of Dover,” “I’ll be Seeing You,” and “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” Danced we fast and slow. Where did those war songs go While we were sobbing goodbyes to new lullabies? And now, And now, with ever averted eyes, No songs are being penned for unceasing goodbyes, In thousands of tiny wars in global places; Will there be a song for these flag-draped faces? The poet’s verse in song seems hushed For these depressive days Pins on maps. Pins on maps. “Wars and rumors of wars” Without somber melody, Without voice and verse, Without end, until Silence.