Who Asks?

Who asks that question that is a blade through the heart?

Who dares ask the question that tears us apart?

Who asks a question that all fear to answer?

Who asks the question that kills more than cancer?

Who, who? Who asks the question that every mother knows?

Who ask the question that is louder than the cry of the crow?

Who among you dares to treat the question as if it were to provoke?

Who I say? Who would do such a thing, one that makes grown men choke?

Who pleads for an answer from those who have given so much?

Who would be so callus as to ask, knowing all those it will touch?

Who could continue to ask the same question time and again?

Who, who, I ask of you again; who could cause so much pain?

It is I who have seen you fight, and die by bullet, stone, and knife.

It is I, who dares to ask so much of father, mother, son, daughter, husband, and wife.

It is I who asks, but not without cause. For each time I have asked you have answered the call.

I am your brother, sister, son, daughter, mother, father, child, and family all.

Who asks such a question?  It is I who held up the flag played the drum and fife.

It is I, your freedom, your liberty, your way of life.

Who asks the question of so many, so many times before, seeing your courage woman and man?

Who dares ask again, for so much? It is I your country, your way of life, your homeland.

Who answers the question? It is each and every soldier, sailor, pilot, and marine.

The one who asks the question witnessed more courage than any eye has ever seen.

Who asks the question, one who must ask again, your country to protect?

Who asks is not important?  The important thing is those who answer; those we will not forget.

©David R. Alexander

April 26, 2003

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