For life, liberty, pursuit of happiness,
we've left your land in a mess.
It was God's mercy that has you there;
this strange country lost but for prayer.
For the click of the mighty pen
dregs and waste are left from sin.
We've attacked with the voting lever,
believing regimes know only better.
I'm glad you're there in eternal sleep,
for I would die to see you weep.
Though I can write I'm lost for words,
all for stampeding selfish herds.
For foolish pursuits we've sounded our voice;
for free rides let known our choice.
Mindless to your sacrifice
we gave this land to the Lord of Flies.
Please, forgive us, Private Smith;
your deadly offering we have dissed.
For all you've fought has taken its toll;
all your victories lost at the polls.
Former Army Sergeant Robert N. Barra, served as an orthopedic appliance specialist from May, 1981 - October, 1992; honorably discharged, having served at William Beaumont Army Med. Center and Fort Leonard Wood Army Hospital. Afterward service continued in the New Mexico Army National Guard, 7/200 Air Defense Artillery, October, 1992 - October, 1995.
I did not lose my life for my country. I lost friends.
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