Beyond the Smoke

         They fought for a place no one could keep
         far from the comfort of innocent days.
         Near to the start of all that went wrong -
         paying the price - one freedom to save.

         The words of peace they’d practiced well
         proved no match to a stranger’s gun.
         Compassion’s hand was quick to fall
         within the fight with nowhere to run.

         Who knew the truth, who knew the way
         back along the road to home?
         Who knew how long the battle call
         would sing to those prepared to come?

         They held no grudge for win or loss -
         no blood too much, their choice to give;
         but for one gleaming glance at peace,
         was worth what breath they had to live.

         They signed aboard without the sight
         to see their way beyond the smoke -
         what sacrifice for love was made -
         what distant hand their history wrote.

         How late they came to understand
         the madness of fighting war with war -
         that peace would never stand a chance
         without knowing what it was fighting for.

         An empty gaze, a life soon gone -
         honor confined to an early grave.
         Eulogy weeps for peace and pride -
         walks to taps, not one could save.

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Author's Note: This writing was inspired by a tiny green toy soldier I found in my local grocer's parking lot. I placed him in my console, knowing that eventually, he would inspire words. These are for him, and for all those boys who played with the likes of him, thinking it was a game they might some day win.

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