Spoils of War (FROM PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE HEART)
You fought your war long ago
Folks at home are not your foe
That line drawn in the sand
Was far away in a distant land
Let go of all that fear and hate
And bursting bombs that still vibrate
Now that you are back at home
Why can’t you leave that war alone?
You served you country three times over
Don’t fight that war with your lover
We all know that war is hell
And far too many from your troop fell
It’s time for you to face the fact
Those Marines aren’t coming back
Even though it’s harsh to say
That was then, now its today
Somehow you must encase
All the horrors you have faced
Bury them forever more
Keep that hate outside your door
Otherwise you’ve sealed your fate
The ones who love you will not wait
Can’t you see how hard they try?
And all the tears you’ve made them cry
You fought your war, that time is past
Although your memories are vast
You have a home, a wife and child
Why can’t you try just once to smile?
Love is warm but can grow cold
Wither, die, turn green and mold
Be careful you don’t let it fade
Love is earned, it is not made
She tries so hard to make it last
Could the final scene be cast?
We all know you had it rough
But maybe she has had enough
Screams and shouts echo down the hall
As you throw things against the wall
How long do you think this can last?
Your war is over, it’s in the past
God help this Marine to see
His war is over, now he’s free
Demons raging in his head
No more blood must be shed
Help him learn to find his way
Back into the light of day
Take away all his hate
Please don’t make his family wait
Until the day it is too late!