With all due credit to Christopher Hedges and his beacon of honesty.
I was sent off to war
to settle a petty score
’cause the pols said
we want those bastards dead
They were once our friends
but that all now depends
on doing our private bidding
or else — no f-ing kidding
Shipped over to the sand
then marching overland
trying not to misstep
a basic danger we must accept
Some look forward to the kill
taking human life as a thrill
but it’s different you see
when you’re sitting in D.C.
Splattered with guts and blood
whether of an enemy or close bud
changes you deep inside
a pain some can’t abide
The desert she bleaches you
hallowed through and through
I just wanted to do some good
like most everyone would
After three lengthy tours
I’m not the same anymore
I did my best with pride
but it’s in a shell I now reside
Jen’s settled for what she’s got
the kids scared what war has wrought
tears and terror map out me
I’m tryin’ like hell so none can see
Now I don’t dare explore
what’s left of my brittle core
the mirror says it’s me there
shut down in my lonesome lair
So blare the trumpet solitary
and invoke the patriot fairy
my most ominous of fears
is that “Taps” I’ll never hear
I was being all that I was
charging forward just because
now my soul is never more
in case the Pentagon is keeping score
Yes, I’m still somewhat alive
maybe cursed to have survived
but I gave my life too
for it’s not the me I once knew