Broken Soldier

Broken Soldier

Hold me like some broken soldier.
Draw me near and hold my hand.
Tell me that this war is over.
As all my blood has fed the land.

No muddy brine to wash my wounds.
Collect my tears to soothe your skin.
No more bombs to lighten my sky.
Never a war I can win.

The sun will set and breath depart.
Shed false tears like everyone else.
Hang your heads, wail, beat your chests.
As all moons rise, they rest.

I can’t protest nor raise my eyes.
You raise your fist and voice for me.
You wave your flag, but watch your back.
They linger close like family.

I trusted them and here I lie.
A broken soldier on the pyre.
Dreams may warm on coldest nights.
Even as fuel for fires.

Discard my ash and just forget.
I’ll enter the ocean with ease.
No promise worth this pain and loss.
A broken soldier relieved.