A War We Didn't Win

Inspired by the Vietnam War Memorial

Marble glistens in the silver moonlight
Illuminating all the names
So many lives are gone today,
Such a hefty price to pay.

I respect the men who died for us,
For the people they might have saved.
But every second another dies,
What a hefty price to pay.

To me, war is a stupid thing.
It could be better solved by pen.
Every day more lives are lost
And another battle begins.

Think of all the young people,
Right now, they're swearing in.
How many will look at this wall and think:
"Not me, I'll be more careful than them."

Now think of all the lives we've lost
All the families that could have been.
All the children that were never born.
Tell me, is that worth a war we didn't win?

A tear falls down my cheek,
As I touch the very first name.
So many men are gone today,
What a hefty price to pay.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

The Vietnam War Memorial does create great sadness. I was a Soldier for 15 years. Sad to know these were real people with families and life once. I like how you described your thoughts. I hope one day we won't need war memorials. Thank you for the excellent poem.
Coyote