ELEGY FOR “DEMOCRACY’S” SOLDIERS

Die Americans die. By the days in dozens die. Then having done your duty, in flag- draped caskets you will lie.

Die Americans die. By the months in hundreds die. Just hold your peace, wave high those flags until you’re in your body bags, then homeward bound you’ll fly.

Die Americans die. By the years in thousands die. Die from the life-exhausting heat; die fighting street to street; die from the next stranger you meet; die from the disease you can’t defeat.

Die from accidents, bullets or roadside bombs. Die cursing your fate or crying for your moms. Just do your duty and die, never knowing the real reasons why.

A.J.Jones

They died never knowing the real reasons why.