The battle is lost.
I burnt the body,
but this burden is
built from such shoddy
materials.

I dreamed of something,
more than just a
colored standard that waves
for brave patriots.

But the bullets blazed,
and soft flesh was bathed
in war’s wicked rage.

People were reduced
to ***** dog tags,
and black body bags
while mothers fell to tears.

Their parents thought
their children would be brought
home to cheers.
Instead, they face
what they refused to feel,
not understanding
that this fear was real.