William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD

THE OLD LIE

What did Horace the famous, old, lyrical Roman Poet have to say?
“It’s glorious to die for one’s country, and it’s a very high price to pay?”
Politicians bask in glory beside the old survivor vets, each Armistice Day.
To our sad Silver Cross Mothers[1] – they have comforting words to say.

The old lie is still here: it is still very much alive and well.
When our wounded come home to a life of real hell
They must fight for their benefits-lump sums in lieu of pensions.
The recruit training brainwashing now disappears in dissention.

Soldiers know now for certain that it was all a big lie.
Ours is but to do or die? Ours is not to reason why?
Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori[2]:
It is still the greatest lie in the Afghanistan story.

Those who suffered a loss and our wounded in pain,
Feel that their loved ones and buddies did not die in vain.
There is no real peace in this IED[3] world so insane.
The KIAs[4] they just keep happening, again and again.

Author’s Note: May our fallen RIP (Thoughts on November the 11th 2010)