To Battle

Warrior, hear the battle call.

Your time has come.

Fire arms may bring you down.

But your honour will live on.

Broken-hearted maidens watch

The army marches by.

Songs sung of comfort lost

Embracing the last lullabye.

Little lads run along beside.

Their fathers barely known.

Metal clanking, armour clad.

Echoes of laments true.

Flags of mourning flying high.

The villagers each spare a sigh

Homes, cattle, farmland left behind.

A cloud of dust the only sight.

Bursts of sorrow and painful melodies

Amidst them one of hope regained.

“They’ll be back soon”, her voice strong.

“As sure as the sun will rise.”

Harsh words for silence announced.

“You know not the future.”

But she penetrates the heavy cloud

Feather weight, the intruder.

Hope sown, hope never known.

Song of a grand return.

Marching soldiers, trudging on.

Ears perked in wonder.

Listen. Remember.

A day of joy to come.

Spirits rise to battle to go.

Hoping soon to be back.

Sorrowful hearts, ablaze anew.

War meaningless once more.

Families looking forward to

Being whole again.