“I’ll go with a gun and kill them”, said the soldier boy of my youth

but I was led by the old men’s stories, not the words of truth.

In my minds eye I stood proud on a glorious battle field

and I held fast among my mates, never a step to yield.

Then came realities touch when I saw that life was more

than to be a hero without a cause fighting a rich man’s war.

I knew then there were other ways and other paths I could tread

I know in my heart I’m better off rather than simply dead.

For the path I walked then led nowhere, heading for my demise

and I hope that deep within me I’ve felt some wisdom rise.

No more is the boy who longs to fight for a cause not understood

for now I know that the old way will never do any good.

So the battle cry I hear today is for peace and peace alone

and I hope that through those days behind somehow I have grown.