Unspeakable

When acts of war have become unspeakable

either because the violence has become so brutal

or because the citizenry has become too sensitive

or some convenient combination of both

When valor is shunned because the name

for which it’s done has been desecrated

So what in the past was a source of pride

now becomes something unmentionable

A dark secret instead of a brave moment

festering while it yearns to be informing

conforming while it could be inspiring

Cold censorship to what was intended as heroism

But what drives this fear of hearing about the acts

that our monetary contributions have afforded

to be done so violently in our stead 

for what we are told to believe is our benefit