By William Cathers
Fallen Warriors by the road, causalities of a great war.
Taken in their youth by awful machines their futures shattered dreams.
The ghost of Elpenor calls us.
We must bury them in full armor with flags flying high by the churning surf.
We must perform their rites and honor their noble fight.
Do not think this battle insane, nor your leadership in vain.
You could not save them from the fray of youth.
Duty called and they went forth to take their risks both wise and reckless.
To live, and strive, and love, and die.
Forgive Elpenor the wine, for he was not quite yet a man, nor was she.
Fallen Warriors we weep your fate and tell how you rowed among your mates.
We will not forget a thing as we sing praises at your graves and
Banish cynics from our midst who think this war does not befit
The glory we endow it with.
For They did not live safe within their rooms,
And thus we sing of life, not gloom.
July 7, 2007
In loving memory of teenagers killed in automobile accidents and the parents who dared to love them.