Drafted To Die
The dark path where my comrades fell
was like a railroad into hell.
The draft was like a hope denied
which issued a ticket to ride.
These children never had a choice,
no free will or protesting voice.
An adolescent sacrifice
made to pay the ultimate price.
Their names are engraved on a wall
but they are gone beyond recall.
Their draft notice came in the mail.
It was either death or to jail.
There was no honorable way
for them to be alive today.

Walt Abbott–10-23-08