Death by Friendly Fire

In fatigue greens the soldier weary sleeps

Resting when they can from combat’s fight

All is calm beneath the Maple Leaf flag

Far to the rear they spent the night

Helmets for pillows and sand for a bed

Flak jackets for blankets not much is said

The sun kisses horizon when from out of the east

Jet engines whining leave behind dead

Friendly fire they called it, just a mistake

Tell that to the widow, the parents and child

A young man from Truro, one of Nova Scotia’s own

Will come back wearing a flag, so very alone

The last post will play to the bagpipes sad drone

Flag flown at half-mast as they lower him home

Teardrops and lost souls will bid him goodbye

Canada weeps for another…and all wonder why.