GHOSTS OF THE FALLEN

The ghosts of the fallen are all agreed
Something may be wrong with the warrior's creed
For a shot of death brings icy clarity
And deep, deep sadness to a new reality
Where there's no way forward and there's no way back
To life before the last bloody attack
Knowing families and friends lie waiting in their homes
To be shot through their heads with their telephones
At peace at last in the universe
About just one question the ghosts converse
To put to the ones whose orders were writ
Was the loss of our lives really worth it?

Michael Ashby, Sidmouth