Villanelle of Conflict

this young soldier - new hunter in the woods of war
will speak soon with pride about his first kill
he’ll be offered garland, medal and award

we pray that he lives – although so far
killing has not redressed our world’s ills
this young soldier - new hunter in the woods of war

he knows many could be buried beneath cross or star
but hopes when the guns are silent and he has had his fill
he’ll be offered garland, medal and award

no brooding naysayer his hopes will mar
he’ll drink champagne now and ignore the bill
this young soldier - new hunter in the woods of war

he foresees a hero’s welcome in a long white car
awaits triumph and knows he will thrill
he’ll be offered garland, medal and award

even though we have vowed to fight no more
heads-of-state proclaim again that we should kill
more young soldiers in the woods of war
as our leaders hunt for garlands, medals and awards

(C)2003, Mary Margaret Carlisle