The Futility of War

There'll be another empty cot on the camp ground tonight. Alas, a gallant soldier gave his all in the frightful fight. His anguished pleas for peace were unheard o'er the battle's roar. Will humankind ever learn from the barbarous futility of war? There'll be a pair of empty boots at his memorial service today. His helmet, rifle and identification tags will also be on display. Also shown is a photo of a lad in the uniform he proudly wore. Will humankind ever learn from the horrible futility of war? Empty arms now hang limply that once held him in fond embrace. Empty hearts that can only be consoled by the Heavenly Father's grace. Just a simple marble stone will hallow his name forever more. Will humankind ever learn from the disastrous futility of war? At the holiday table this year there'll be an empty chair, Tho' he'll be absent, they will e'er feel his presence there, As they reminisce about their hero in precious family lore. Will humankind ever learn from the merciless futility of war? Oh! That nations would simply follow the Master's Golden Rule, Practice brotherhood and learn unto others to be less cruel, And eliminate for all time such savagery to its very core! Will humankind ever learn from the brutal futility of war? Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)