After watching the History Channel yesterday about the 'unsung hero's of the
Vietnam conflict,  this poem speaks to me of the tenderness and love that
any warrior would wish to receive at the end of a battle.
I liked this very much, it had an air of tranquillity within the verses
particularly the last.

Mary

----- Original Message -----
From: "c s shah" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2003 6:21 PM
Subject: NEWSUB: War is Over


> War is Over
>
> Rest for a while, o wanderer,
> under this cooler foliage;
> you need to forget your worries,
> and your blisters require care.
> Wait, I'll supply the poultice and
> the brook will bring the nectar.
>
> Once I sheltered a pair of golden eagles,
> they dared where others faltered,
> in pride they hunted and in peace they slept.
> The empty nest with dried up twigs
> you see on the high bough there,
> that became the home for three more.
>
> One summer, trumpets sounded with
> clutter of swords and rush of arrows,
> men plundered men into carcasses,
> and with them came the vultures.
> The eagles braved them, but lost
> in defending the young ones; dear, dear.
>
> Since then I was alone, O wanderer.
> But why do you look over shoulder?
> The army has retreated, and horses
> gallop no more; the war is long over.
> O meander, need I sing a lullaby,
> as you sleep with dreams tender.
> --
>
> c s shah