FOR JACK

I died the day he walked the streets
and brawled in bars in the early hours .
Loose cannon and Pamplona bull.


I died the day he joined the army.
Russian roulette on foot patrol.
Mothers' heart in bloodstained hands.

I died the day I watched the news.
Fallen innocents all flown home,
and he who sat and buffed his boots
to take his chance again with war.