When you die, they will call it duty.
Bound up in honor, wrapped in glory,
you will find your grave.
Your nobility will be documented
and it will ease the tears
and woe owned by those bereft;
your heroism will soothe the heartache
and pride will belong to those who claim you.
But,
when they are forgotten
and the marble is blank
we will stand
and ask,
"Why?"
and,
doubtless,
your silence will speak for itself.