Contrary to what you hear from your mother
Or from your war veteran father or brother
But know the highest form of patriotism
Is not that given to the state
But to those brothers and sisters
Who are all fighting the same war
Love does not require romance
But the sacrifice of self for another
Taking chances in the teeth of conflict
Until the din of battle smothers
And you realize you are alive
Or that you have died
And the war no longer matters
Or from your war veteran father or brother
But know the highest form of patriotism
Is not that given to the state
But to those brothers and sisters
Who are all fighting the same war
Love does not require romance
But the sacrifice of self for another
Taking chances in the teeth of conflict
Until the din of battle smothers
And you realize you are alive
Or that you have died
And the war no longer matters
For you
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of
him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
