The General Revisited

The General stands at attention, West Point tall and straight Gazing at row upon row of white headstones On his shoulders lay the finality of their weight Family, friends and patriots gone too soon Heroes all and each one a heartfelt and generous boon To those left behind grieving and staring at uninhabited rooms The General remembers twin brothers Jake and Joe Farrell, Mary and Linda Drake, only children of veteran Jim Merrill Cpl. Tom Perkins, adopted orphan and amateur jockey Reconnaissance scouts David Yee and Alfredo Pitney Lives abruptly shorn, defiled by war, all lost forevermore The General wonders if casualty lists will ever end As faces and names boomerang relentlessly inside his head. The General’s anguish remains hidden from sight and sound Years of discipline and training keep his feelings internally bound He’ll continue to issue battle planned orders of war knowing full well The inevitable consequences will take him into despair and hell As wounded and dead soldier counts are officially verified Our finest assets, valiant and dedicated, are being sacrificed The General raises his arm in a perfect salute Tears form as he strains to keep his visage calm and resolute Hoping his appearance and poise reflect his affection and respect To his family members lost in battle to his overwhelming regret (And to whom he and America owe a profound and unpayable debt) Rifles fire, “Taps” resounds and all earthly obligations are offset Soldiers are blessed and lovingly placed in military hallowed ground As the General condemns the consequences in what all wars abound. The General stands at attention, West Point tall and straight Gazing at row upon row of white headstones On his shoulders lay the finality of their weight The General silently speaks to all who lie before him “Listen up soldiers as I express your worth to country, kith and kin You’re our Nation’s greatest assets, unique and country-true We will always miss you and forever greatly mourn you As we condemn the war that rendering your futures incomplete I was country proud to serve with you And military proud to command you, too, I’m a better man and soldier having served on your behalf In God’s loving hands may you rest in peace at last.”