Tears For Oil Or Democracy Poem by Gordon D Wilkinson

Tears shed
Names aloud read
Many the fallen of far off battles
Some mothers only son or daughter slain
Snuffed out in the prime of youth

Unwilling political pawns for democracy
Blood spilt on those corrupt shores
Claimed by the fanatical despots calls
Skulking always in dark shadows
Terrorising with the complicity of religion
Appeasing bloodthirsty demigods

Still we fight

Why, the nation asks
For democracy politicians spout
Nay, for corruption and fuel greed
One penny more for the blood stained oil
Lining the rich man’s pocket

Onwards youth falls
Crumpled, tangled bodies
Nothing but a sad memory, for the lost
The true cost, lost cheaply the virility of youth

Blow that bugle
Drop a tear
Remember
All for democracy
All for nought