They are just boys; do they understand
This greater good they’re fighting for, the issues here at hand?
What thing that draws them to this fight?
Is it some deep deep sense of right?
Or, did someone paint a picture that was golden-tinged and grand?
Ah, to fill the lists — recruitment, drafts, all planned
Each regiment, platoon, division must be manned
Focus on the good they’ll do; keep their prospect bright
They are just boys.
Send them off with pageantry — a drum and bugle band!
Remind them that they’re going to a far-off glorious land!
And never say a single word that might evoke some fright –
Pump them full of pride! Ah, ’tis such a glorious sight
To watch them while they board the ship and leave their motherland –
They are just boys.
The W3 Challenge this week was to write a rondeau on the topic of Freedom. This is less about freedom and more about war. Does it bother anyone else that here is the United States we fill our military with kids; they can fight for us but we don’t allow them to legally drink a beer!
Hot Dogs and Marmalade 
War is a waste of resources not the least is the lives of the soldiers. Your poem is so well stated that I had to remind myself that it was a Rondeau!
It bothers me that they are getting us pumped up for another war.
Poignant and powerful. A rondeau written to the rhythm and beat of a drum. Well done, Sally ❤️
What a poignant poem on war!
Sally, your poignant questioning of the boys’ motivations provokes reflection for me on the nature of their involvement in the greater cause…
❤
David
Sally,
This week’s W3, hosted by the lovely JM Negi, is now live 🥳
Enjoy!
~David
hi, Sally 👋🏻
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted by the brilliant Kerfe Roig is now live:
Enjoy!
Much love,
David