six steps to survival

i.
    you're going out to war one day,
    over the hills and far away,
    dulce et decorum est, pro patria mori,
    unknown yet to you is just another story.

ii.
    you're going out to war one day,
    over the hills and far away,
    you've not told your parents yet,

    'cos you know they'd just get upset,

    but you're already near three and a half,
    and you think it's time to make your own damned path.

iii.
    you're going out to war one day,
    over the hills and far away,
    don't you know what lies ahead?
    death and blood's not in your head,
    for you are young and Glory calls,
    so you plan to leave in the early Fall,

iv.
    you're going out to war today,
    over the hills and far away,
    run your fingers along her skin,
    paint and taint her with pleasant sin,
    she cries for you in the early morn,
    but you, you are so very long gone.

v.
    you're going out to war today,
    over the hills and far away,
    you trudge through mud and spice and sand,
    bitter boots cry as they touch the promised land,
    not knowing that back at home,
    there's a little bundle of your blood and bones,
    they'll call her 'dear' and 'heart' and 'love'
    and hope your return's as swift as doves,
    because she has your everblue eyes,
    that are passed down to whom i've ties.

vi.
    you went out to war that day,
    over those hills and far away,
    lady luck waved the union jack,
    and you, little duck, little dove, came back.

dedicated to his grandfather, for whom the man i love would not be around today. war is foolish and pointless and it's miraculous he survived. i've never been more grateful for anything in my entire life, but i'd kneel and kiss this man's feet for living. thank you for surviving. your grandson is awesome.