Thelma N. Shutters

THEIR LAST SCREAMS

A promised future they are told
If they just sign on a dotted line
Uncle Sam your life will mold
You’ll be a soldier so very fine

You can travel around the earth
With an opportunity for a career
You’ll be held at so much worth
Though first you must volunteer

We shall teach you a great trade
This will be a wonderful chance
A guaranteed check will be paid
In today’s society you’ll advance

Those final papers the boy signs
Such good things he has in store
Soon overseas he was assigned
Protecting another nation’s shore

Then this country was attacked
To our nation many leaders lied
A teenage boy was sent to Iraq
But soon in battle the boy died

A promise of prestige and honor
Of a rich life to fulfill their dream
Our children told of the glamour
Is replaced by their last screams