The Oldest Song

I. The rhythm of war is the ancient roll Of the tattering, martial drum, The slick of the boots—and the perfect salutes— The drummer boy’s dum-da-dum. II. The lyrics of war are the usual ones Politicians can spout with aplomb: “God bids us begin—and this war we can win --He blesses our cause and our Bomb.” III. The tune of the war is the ancient cry Of mothers’ and sisters’ moan (And the children’s and wives’) with the heart of their lives Down under a flag-draped stone.