Rise

The Veteran’s Lament

I left my home to see the world
And serve the flag that I adored
They promised me a hero's fame
And glory for the wars I waged

But all I saw was blood and tears
And horrors that still haunt my ears
I did the deeds they asked of me
But lost my soul and dignity

I fought against a foreign foe
But who they were I did not know
I stormed their homes, I seized their lands
I made them kneel before my hands

I tortured them with fire and steel
I made them beg, I made them squeal
I thought I did it for the right
But now I see it was for spite

I killed a girl who bore a sign
A sign of peace, a sign divine
She walked through hell to end the strife
But I took from her the gift of life

And as she fell, I saw her eyes
They pierced my heart, they made me wise
She was no enemy of mine
She was a child of humankind

Now I return to where I belong
But I feel like I don't belong
They call me hero, they praise my scars
But I feel nothing but remorse

I carry with me all the pain
The memories that won't fade away
The flag I loved, the flag I served
Is now the flag that I despise