II. An Unknown Soldier

From “The Fruits Of Their Labours” (2014).
Copyright © 2014 by The Apple Zed. All rights reserved.

“Johnny Boy’s A Hero,” all my hometown papers read
I was frightened all that fuss would go straight to my head
Never wanted guts or glory. I had always said,
“Let me serve my country unbeknownst”

Gave it time and sure enough, my neighbors grew distracted
By the trials and tribulations normalcy reenacted
All I dwelled upon was one small victory exacted
I made the Reaper tremble in his bones

Did I stare Death down? I damn well emptied out his pockets
Told him where to stick that scythe, and spat in his eye sockets
To this day, I’m even-keeled while his contempt skyrockets
That’s the only victory I craved

Many years have gone, and I’ve grown older all the while
Proud to blend into a crowd, I’m merely rank and file
To maintain my namelessness, I’ll go the extra mile
And from death my spirit will be saved

Did I stare Death down? Didn’t I? Can’t I?
Was it just a wet dream? So much for swimming upstream
Has he gotten the best of me?

Did I stare Death down? Didn’t I? Can’t I?
I damn well stood my ground, relentless
No shame in that. I won’t repent this
There must be some way to prevent this
The doctor says it’s mostly hopeless

Lord, how can this be? Dear God, why me?
“Johnny Boy’s A Hero,” all my hometown papers read
Now my hometown papers all will read that Johnny’s dead