Will Barber - Pray for Dawn

Some fathers died, some sons were killed;
Some were afraid, and some gung-ho;
Some went back against their will;
Some lusted for the chance, to go

Into chaos, into fire,
Into unimaginable hell: to
Realms where friendly fire
Came from estwhile allies. Now,

Ring bells of victory,
Ring bells which bid farewell,
Ring bells which give warning:
Enemies approach: O, ring bells.

Somewhere, in small towns, neighbors,
Ones who knew the victims - these
Well-meaning ones offer their tears,
But there is no substitute for peace.

Ring bells, but whisper prayers:
For those left behind; theirs
Is the burden, to go on:
For them, pray for dawn.

2008

Will Barber

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/pray-for-dawn/