Soldier

Those who despise war, must nonetheless respect the fallen

When were you alive, soldier?
What war did you fight?
What force, what side?
What flag did you hold high?

Did you believe, soldier?
Did you think it right?
Volunteer, or were you forced?
Into the end, the dark, the night?

Was it for some politician?
Or a king or duke or prince?
Or was it that you had
To provide,
To put food on the table,
And this was available?

Respect you, soldier, respect I do,
No matter what your stance

On bloodshed past and present,
You must respect the fallen
So I salute you

Author's Note

I categorically despise any form of armed human conflict. And whilst I disagree with the concept of nations holding organisations of people designed and structured to mobilise and kill each other, that disagreement is put aside the moment a shot is fired and someone's husband, son, father, wife, daughter etc dies. War is terrible, and I wish every person in conflict to safely return home.