I take this out and dust it off every Memorial Day. Thought I'd post it.

The Best Are Washed Away

The young march into the killing field
one step in their fate is sealed
fiercely fighting to the fray
and the best are washed away.

Virgin to the breech
oh God what do old men teach
honor, glory, with death young men pay
and the best are washed away.

Bouncing Betty, RPG, tomato can
one misstep will kill a man,
sail the sea of fate each day
and the best are washed away.

Ignore the death surround
the fight, the fight abound,
give no quarter night or day
and the best are washed away.

Some survive with body rent
on the field their spirit spent,
death was the price of life they say
and the best are washed away.

Some returned unscathed home
behind the mask routefoot roam,
anguish, anguish, feet of clay
and the best are washed away.

Those who play know no game,
life of rage, nothing is the same
for when the war tide recedes to day
all the best are washed away.



Rodger Jacobs
A Co. 1st Bn 9th Marines
The Walking Dead
Vietnam 1966- 1967

May 1st 2001