When our grandson’s grandson shoulders a knitted shawl

Will he look down at the newborn babe; just learned to crawl?

Knowing that his grandson will grow healthy lean and tall

Never having seen war’s horror; no need to heed the call

Will he know that Vietnam’s transgression deeply scarred us all?

Will he know that good men died; their names now on a wall?

Will he remember all those battles fought including Saigon’s fall?

Will there be a large bronze plaque in every small town hall?

Will wars finally be quelled; stopped forevermore?

Never seeing a somber soldier knocking at our door

Never boarding a ship or aircraft headed off to war

Never owing your youth to the Army, Navy, or the Corps

Will all these things be done knowing what future has in store?

Will we know that when men die they’ll be old, tired and sore?

Will the bullet never travel the length of the rifle bore?

Will we never again see the likes of senseless blood and gore?

What we will see, my friend, is war is never done

Don’t hold your breath for peace, my friend; it’s never ever won

Prepare to shed more tears, my friend; war is never done

The only relief I see my friend; wait for kingdom come

©3/16/07 Terry Sutherland

Sans Peur

Terry