send the little children off to war.
send them now, with their big guns
and their armor and helmets
and bullets and heavy boots.
quick, send them off now
before they have time to be afraid
send them now,
while their child-eyes remain.
let them go into the darkest of nights
for honor and bravery and selflessness.
send the little children off to war
and tell them you won’t forget them.
quickly now, lie to them and tell them
how damn grateful you are.
send them off now so they won’t realize
what they are leaving behind.
send the little children off to war.
send them now, with their pictures
and letters and cards and pens
and their laughter and smiles
and their happiness and life.
send the little children off to war.
send them now, with their big guns
and their armor and helmets
and bullets and heavy boots.
send the little children off to war.
send the little children off to war.