Thanatomaniacs  

The first verse should really be the whole poem, although I like it all. The message shines through.

That's a good point. I may see if I can do a rearrange to cap it off with the best stanza and then see how it reads.

Thanks! I appreciate the observation!

Maybe something like so...


Thanatomaniacs  

Close up your ears to the man with the gun
who prattles on about caliber force!

He! He...is the devil we should shun
and all of his weapon loving discourse
confirming to us that he thinks it's neat
to blast his brothers into kingdom dumb
as smoking piles of once human meat
certain to upset his once happy mum!
 
Life by and for the sword is poor reward;
just ask Pat Tillman...(before he got bored).

Too much they think about impending death
when they might instead embrace life and love
just like the poets do with every breath
that all life lovers...have ever dreamt of.

The term "friendly fire" has always sounded like a bit of an oxymoron to me. A sense of duty is always good to have, but too much it has dire consequences.

Right?

Tillman sure gave up a lot more than most to serve his country, only to be killed by his own.

Just terrible 😞