Dialogue of the Effaced Stone

For the once-named patriot

Soldier
Leader
Friend and Son

Born some while ago
Gone in his prime

"Pa and Ma asked me about the danger
the front lines presented. Over skimpy roast
and smashed potatoes I told them
I was fighting for them and my brothers"

of blood
in blood
in arms
     underseas
          above clouds
     over sand
          or in some jungle-shaped hell

"Where they went I went;
where I go they go.
We fought to bring the last battle
closer. In the end we won."