by Bobby Coles

Created on: March 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 11, 2012

The War Within

Struggling with your conscience

Memories of lives taken

In the name of the state

Your soul has been forsaken

Combat pits man versus himself

Tests his true mettle

When all is said and done

Alive or dead he's pinned with a medal

War rages on

Under its own volition

No support at all

Deprived of nutrition

Fearfully concealing

A burgeoning inhibition

Sent off on another

Ill-advised mission

When does it all end?

Seems to be never

With all ties to home

Undergoing an irreversible sever

Grappling with doubt

And his inferior position

Equipped with inner turmoil

And ammunition

From sinful acts

Seeking the refuge of contrition

Being home with his girl

His heart is wishin'

The media wags info

Propaganda they're dishin'

To kill or not to

is the question on the brain

Causing a troubling anguish

And mental strain

Being unsuccessful in the field

Looked at with disdain

Trying to find an adequate reason

Why foe need be slain

Nobody to second your opinions,

A silent refrain

Beside you

Another friend deadly lain

Another man's hopes and dreams

Dashed by your hand

Uncertainty lies deep within

This operation was poorly planned

Just what exactly

Is there to gain?

It is always better

If death befalls the other

Struggling to find a second reason,

There isn't another

But rationality and emotion

You've been taught to smother

That poor soldier

Has a right to return to his mother

After all

Every comrade in arms is your brother

Fighting a war against humans

You've never even met

It would be much easier

To forgive than to forget

Images seared in your eye

Are haunting as memories begin to set

Someone else's agenda

Has forced you to aid and abet

Taking another's life

Pays you an eternal mental debt

Deep in your heart

Nothing but regret

Be a man

Don't show an ounce of fret

Unable to fathom

What could be such an unforgivable sin?

Knowing full well

That he wears your exact skin

No matter the outcome,

Nobody ever does truly win

Walk proudly

And hold high your chin

Sequester horrible feelings

Much to your chagrin

Now you're heading nowhere

Because of where you have been

Especially considering the consequences

Of the endless war within

Learning to cope with murder

Blood stains fresh on your mind

Will we truly ever stop fighting?

Put past grievances mercifully behind

The war within continues

Until the day of your last breath of air

The casualties of war

We most certainly can afford to spare

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