Blood-red fragile flower

representing lives lost,

stand tall to remind us

as we contemplate the cost.

Blood-red fragile flower

representing lives lost,

stand tall to remind us,

as we calculate the cost.

It is true:

To be a nation at peace

we sometimes have to fight,

but do we have the right

to interfere and dictate,

to policy make and debate,

other cultures’ futures,

whilst putting in sutures,

whilst burying the dead,

as the boffins pontificate,

and coffins proliferate?

Blood-red fragile flower

representing lives lost,

stand tall to remind us,

as we weep at the cost.