both are wonderful. the long version is so much better; so filled with symbols of how we humans deal with death at war. To many powerful questions phrased with beauty and rhythm. the poetry reads as soft and lilting as the sound of the alst call over the grave as a rose is placed with love. My I not need to do it, but this is a poem so beautiful i'd read it over the grave of one who died. (as I wrote that a picture pasted through my mind of my son, 26 years in USAir Force, and my gratitude I did not need to buy him during his service years; with that in mind I know he would love all the words of your poem. so heartfelt. thank you for the privilege of reading it. ann

My review has been submitted for consideration in "Good Deeds Get CASH!" .