I Think They Lied

I Think they Lied

I was brought up
to think warriors
were valiant
their deeds
were filled with
courage and bravery;
instead what I see
is misery
and pain
hospital beds
or rows of graves,
a vanquished slavery.

I was brought up
to respect fighters
in stories
who gave
up their lives
as a willing sacrifice;
but instead I find
that they were
just killed
by chance
for a cause
of hatred and malice.

I was brought up
on proud tales
by old soldiers
with medals
and tears
for fellows that died;
instead I now read
these tales
were untrue
some lived
some were killed
so, I think they lied.

There is no glory
in a war story
gallant and gory
just cause?
You judge.
But is it the only way?
To fight or not
the choice
be killed a hero
or shot as a coward
and for this lie
we still have no say.

David © 25th April 2009