Poetry genre: Verse (my grandfather's perspective)

Confession

By James Senior

Bless me Father, for I have sinned,

it’s been one week since my last confession.

My rebellious son is in the wind,

and I can’t forgive his cowardly transgression.

He was called to war but will not fight

and chose instead to run away.

I told him that leaving wasn’t right,

and so began our greatest fray. 

He screamed at me about right and wrong,

and I responded in kind,

“A man has a duty to be strong

in heart, and soul, body and mind!

When our country calls, we must serve!

(I did, as did my oldest son),

Despite your fears, you should muster the nerve

How else will our wars be won?”

“But dad,” he yelled, “I believe in peace,

I don’t want to be forced to kill a man!

If we refuse to fight, all wars will cease--

just think, no wars, a world-wide ban!”

I told him, “Son, you’re American, be proud of who you are!

Show thanks for your freedom by going to fight,

be brave, square your chin, be a star!

You’ll survive the war both day and night

as I did, through blood, sweat, and tears,

You’ll make me proud, and your country too,

if you do your duty despite your fears,

and bleed honor that’s red, white, and blue.”

He said, “Dad, I can’t, I have to leave, can’t you see?”

I said, “If you do, you’ll be dead to me.”