Those Who Start War Poem by Francis Duggan

Your sworn enemy of today tomorrow might be your friend
And things are very different when hostilities end
And in any disagreement one party not all to blame
But when ageing men send young men and women for them to die in that I see great shame.

Those who start war should lead their troops in war that's how 'twould seem to me
And if they die on the battlefield of them we would be free
If to the battle they led their troops some respect they might command
But that they should expect young people to die for them is something I don't understand.

The war that was supposed to end all wars took place more than eighty years ago
And there has been many wars since and peace we've yet to know
And despite man's advanced technology man's achievements only small
We still have wars which goes to prove that we've not learned much at all.

The poor in war always suffer most their humble homes destroyed
And don't tell them that the World out there is welcoming and wide?
There is no welcome anywhere for poor war refugees
And many in over crowded camps die of malnutrition and disease.

Those who start war should fight in war that's how it ought to be
And if they die then so be it of them we would be free
But they won't go to battle they make others go instead
And they will give the eulogy to honour the war dead.