A Hero’s Death

If I wake tomorrow to find
A letter at my door,
I open it, and read of you,
And grasp the price of war.

If I wake someday to find
You’ve died in honour’s name,
The knowledge of your sacrifice
Would ease none of my pain.

If I lose my dearest friend
Through violence and bloodshed,
Do you think that I’d revere
The land for which you’ve bled?

If I march into battle,
And suffer as you do,
And live or die while killing others,
And stain my soul for you,

And if I weep until I’m empty,
I cry until I fall,
Would my tears be enough to stop you;
Would you hear my words at all?

For if you give your life in service
Of God or Country,
If you die a Hero’s Death,
Then you’ll have betrayed me.