Hapless In Helmand

four star circus side show of war, thugs on a hillside another killing floor, greedy men squabble loudly gulping down the poor, coalition vacuole futility galore, sobbing children in the dust silent tears like rain, generation lost to time born in tragic pain, greener valleys stretch on out blot out the crimson stain, sons and daughters of the fist hope for love in vain, win the peace, slogans fly bloviating head, metal coffin rocky graves feel hobnail tread, darker cabals plot it out empire must be fed, marching legions to the borders muster in their stead, parched throats choking on a crust bitter unslaked hate, plowshares beaten into swords blood debts won't abate, who can say what life is worth as condolence payment made, trembling fluid, parchment hospice, eyelights slowly fade, sunlight melting slowly moving through the dusk, bloodshot eyes see clearly at the future's empty husk, dirty smiles, broken grins, polluted tonic for our sins, old hob just sits and grins.