Those of you that know me know I’m pretty agnostic about Iraq. Nevertheless I found this argument compelling, and find it interesting that sentiments like these are generally not allowed in our political discourse.

“Foes and Fathers”

There breathes philosophies of twisted Valor
Thus proudly aired in uniforms pressed neat.
Where blush-ed pride falls short to paint their pallor
And hides what soils beneath each folded pleat.
So sings the song of this lamented sailor,
Oft’ worshiped by the souls of the elite,
“In never catching thieves, who needs a jailer?
In never gaining ground, what need’s retreat?”

True heroes, dead, know reverence of Valor.
Those pride-filled souls devoured Courage neat.
Where Nature left her falsely-painted pallor,
Old Glory quick restored with every pleat.
So sings Marine, the Airman and the Sailor
The songs of Fathers proud to call Elite,
“That those who never eye the face of Failure
Shall never Freedom find from its defeat.”

Timothy James Paul Schwab
JAN07M