Remember Us

“Remember us?” inquire the dead
On this Memorial Day,
“Remember us to whom you said,
‘There is no other way.
Bear battle with its deadly breath —
Its pestilence and pain.
If you should die a hero’s death,
It will not be in vain.’
Remember Us?”

“Remember us? We did our part.
We ventured forth to die
By all the strategies men chart,
And now we ask you why
You haven’t kept your solemn word.
You said you’d never cease
‘Til on the world you had conferred
An everlasting peace.
Remember Us?”

“Remember us — the strong, the brave?
Were all of us destroyed?
Weren’t any left with will to save
What now should be enjoyed?
Is war the only answer yet
That thinking men can give?
Oh, must you always be in debt
To youth who want to live?
Remember Us!”