Grieving for our fallen soldiers

Your son waved goodbye
then left for Iraq.
You checked off the days
’til your boy would be back.

With pride in your heart
and fear in your face,
you spoke of your son
and a longed-for embrace.

And then…

He came back in a box
lifeless and still.
Home from a war
that wasn’t his will.

Home to a nation
weary and worn.
Tired of being
divided and torn.

Home to a country
jaded and numb
that numbers the reasons
why peace can’t be won.

Finally home on a
permanent leave.
His sacrifice questioned.
No wonder you grieve.