Why Do I Cry?

I stand alone among the graves
With thoughts of veterans here interred
I cry at flags like guards of old
That stand as tributes to all men.

My prayers rise for soldier men
Within these grave yards all at rest
I feel their cries within my soul
Their voices ring in tearful tones.

These veterans in silence, dream
Of peace and quiet and of life
To share their hopes of living free
With families in freedom's care.

These men and women now at rest
Within the hallowed walls of stones
Their sacrifice of life and blood
Are memories of love bemoaned.

I question once and ever more
Why lose a life? Why tears must fall?
Why wars are made? Why lose a voice?
Why dreams must die? Why blood be shed?

Why men of honor, bravery and strength?
Create machines that kill and maim?
Must there be fighting that's shameless, cold?
To prove man's strength of heart and soul?

I bade you now, Goodbye, dear men
Honorable, brave, strong and silent
To heaven's door you now must pause
You're welcome here, do rest your souls.

I guestion once and evermore
The loss of lives, the loss of homes
The distress calls of human voice
That bind our hearts as one and all.

I pray on bended knees, beseech
Before the Lord, our God, our Father
That wars begone, the killings, cease
That peace of life be evermore.