"Victory without Laurels" by David Wagoner
Stepping down the wind,
sandaled foot upon
the temple roof,
what laurels does Victory bestow?
What glory in a child pined?
Will the dead soldier know?
Facts without proof.
War crimes lead on.
Laurel wreathed grave,
glorious memorial.
Only wretched
in the bloody battlefield
beyond the nursery door
Orders dictatorial.
Victory’s wings
Outstretched.
The bomb sings
not victory, but horror.
sandaled foot upon
the temple roof,
what laurels does Victory bestow?
What glory in a child pined?
Will the dead soldier know?
Facts without proof.
War crimes lead on.
Laurel wreathed grave,
glorious memorial.
Only wretched
in the bloody battlefield
beyond the nursery door
Orders dictatorial.
Victory’s wings
Outstretched.
The bomb sings
not victory, but horror.
***
BIO: I am a retired CAD Programmer and Master Machinist who oversaw a
machine shop making parts for extreme environments. I made parts for satellites
and the Space Shuttle. Author of “Scratches
on Scraps” and Editor of “A Promise of Doves”.
Way to go, Honey!
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