Photo by Bill Westphal
from gloriana casey
WAR----ended in November month,
on the eleventh hour.
The day was the eleventh one
when warring lost its power.
The Great War was the name of it,
and also World War I.
So many died, were starved and maimed;
all nations were undone.
For 70 million soldiers strong,
fought on in national pride.
By 1918---another loss---
---- Armenian genocide.
Though this war was the biggest one;
so much of Earth was war.
All caught up in the fight for life
as never fought before.
The GREAT WAR was to be the last
for humans had advanced.
The dynasties were falling now
and Peace the PEOPLE'S chance!
But no----it seems they did invent
all sorts of warring stuff:
Dog fights up in the clear blue sky
and poison gas------ENOUGH!
In memory of this war and more,
in 1954,
the name was changed to Veterans Day,
though Armistice Day------before.
For soldiers who had served in this
a special day to call.
All military shared in this-----
thanks to the soldiers-----all.
But truly are those words enough,
in naming such a day?
For lives broken, unsettled too;
we really must repay.
A Veterans Day should be the one
that gives a place to live,
a job-----health care-----for families too,
this nation---it should give.
I wish this for the soldiers all,
such sterling benefits.
A way to start their lives again;
no "BUTs" or "ANDs" or " Ifs."
Some soldiers wish to talk of war.
Some others-------silent be.
Their day------ their lead,------so follow it-----
in peace for all to see.
