Ode to the Warrior

Words welded tight with rampant rogue emotion barring I stand up

Crush the reds up well this should carry me today manufacture cheer

Push the throttle down until system and machine fail and bells toll flatline

A staggering pace blinding speed and velocity flash, tears, static, applause

But the crew captain what of the families aboard what shall we tell them

Tell them passion won tell them sacrifice was due tell them glory called

What is reasonable to ask for stars at high noon how courteous of you

Time means something it grants, reveals, pays respect then returns the favor

Feather in your cap celebration gathers round while the absent sink

Was this your glory is the honor theirs in death what was bestowed here

To arms dear brothers let us fight with blood and tears this here is my land

And the mothers wait hands folded near silent phones counting every breath

Go boldly, make way create a name for yourself just to be forgotten

Reduced to a wall our names and numbers hang reminding the living

Somewhere children laugh beneath flags and summer light unaware of cost

Here we lie in dirt put to rest by men in suits lining their pockets

And the speeches roll like polished ceremonial drums across fresh turned earth

Ode to the warrior the one we send to death

The land drinks every name equally