New Headstones

We must consider, in this august Committee
Designing headstones, more’s the pity.

Fit for splintered girls and headless boys
Who fought and died for one man’s ploys.

World War headstones won’t suffice
As they would cost too high a price.

All that carving and all that pride
Surely unnecessary, on the other side.

Something simpler, rather bland
To quell Death’s fury at a one-man band.

The skirmishing Committee, all slithering, make a plea
That they be granted absolution from the magician’s legacy.

Envisaging a committee, its belief in the war shot away, wishing to disassociate itself from the war in Iraq.

2007