Family Service

One cousin to Iraq

And another just recently returned.

My families youth and pride

Expended on another war.

Some on their third or fourth tour!

Most of us have served or are serving,

A few of us still bear the scars.

Return my cousins and countrymen home!

When will the price be paid

In full this time around?

When will the bleeding stop

And the healing begin again?

What does the nation have to show for the effort

Except for the ranks of the survivors;

Men and women having honorably served,

Now broken inside and out.