Warriors

Young, strong, brave leaders,
warriors for those in dire straits.
Ready for battle.

Ready for battle,
they gather strength, arms, allies,
plan and strategize.

In bloody combat,
pain, suffering, cruel nightmares.
No one really wins.

Some survive, some die.
Everyone loses something.
Casualties of war.

…

Young, old pacifists,
they call them idealists.
They dare to dream peace. 

They make some good calls,
and are fooled a few times too.
A wash in the end.

 …

Despite their doubts, fears,
they showed up, stood up, spoke up,
with integrity. 

Arrived at the end.
Said goodbyes, farewells to all.
With serenity.

…

With, without witness,
they exhale for one last time.
May they rest in peace.

No more suffering.
No more pain, and no more fear.
May they rest in peace.