War is something
I’ve never been fond of

Killing is something
I’m completely against

And yet I support a man
Who does this for a living

I too was taught and trained
To be a murderer myself

We do what we say we won’t
And end up hating what we do

All for the sake of others
Who ask for our protection

There are those who can’t fight
And many more who won’t

In the end we support and do
The very things we despise

All in the name of freedom
For the cause seems advantageous

But the burden of sacrifice
Is a lonely road to tread

Something only those who serve
Can fully understand

© 2018 Michelle Cook