Casey's Song
Posted: November 10th, 2005, 2:58 am
I “met” Cindy Sheehan when I read a poem that Casey Sheehan’s sister wrote for him that was posted on the Mount Diablo Peace Center message board.
I began an email dialogue with Cindy at the time. I dedicated a song that I had written, “Soldiers Of Peace”, to Cindy and the memory of Casey.
I’ve been working on this song, which I presumptuously call “Casey’s Song”, for some time.
I don’t write to or hear from Cindy much these days and, for that, I’m grateful. I’m grateful that she’s too busy because the nation has had the good fortune to meet her. She’s a strong woman and a loving mother.
Listen, if you like.
He grew up in the suburbs
an ordinary kid.
Was friendly and respectful
in everything he did.
Was proud to be a Boy Scout
and parade his uniform.
Learned self respect and discipline
and learned how to conform.
He had a group of friends and
he loved his family.
Was proud of where he lived and
the fact that he was free.
He knew that God would catch him
if he ever fell
He knew that God would never send
an altar boy to hell.
He solemnly swore on his honor
to be true to leaders and State.
He promised to keep himself healthy.
He swore to be morally straight.
He signed on as a Jarhead
because of what they said.
They overstated honor,
shoved glory in his head.
If he’d only be willing
he could be all he could be.
He’d surely make his family proud
and make some country free.
In boot camp they reformed him.
They readied him for war.
They taught him how to hate, check
compassion at the door.
He learned his life depended
on obeying their command.
Conformity was needed to
accomplish what they planned
He knew he’d be safeguarding freedom.
He believed in what he was told.
His country would never deceive him
but soon it began to unfold
He went out on a mission,
the purpose wasn’t clear.
He learned he shouldn’t question.
He learned to hide his fear.
Within his mind he wondered.
He couldn’t stop his heart
from hammering his chest so hard
he thought he’d blow apart
He thought he was safeguarding freedom
but doubt was invading his brain.
The landscape was war’s revelation,
the anguish, the torture, the pain.
He signed on as a Jarhead
because of how they lied.
If he knew then the things he learned
he never would have died.
To friendship,
Michael
“The height of arrogance is the control of those who would create god in their own image.” – Ramtha
The Mind Of Michael
Speak Your Mind And Read Mine
I began an email dialogue with Cindy at the time. I dedicated a song that I had written, “Soldiers Of Peace”, to Cindy and the memory of Casey.
I’ve been working on this song, which I presumptuously call “Casey’s Song”, for some time.
I don’t write to or hear from Cindy much these days and, for that, I’m grateful. I’m grateful that she’s too busy because the nation has had the good fortune to meet her. She’s a strong woman and a loving mother.
Listen, if you like.
He grew up in the suburbs
an ordinary kid.
Was friendly and respectful
in everything he did.
Was proud to be a Boy Scout
and parade his uniform.
Learned self respect and discipline
and learned how to conform.
He had a group of friends and
he loved his family.
Was proud of where he lived and
the fact that he was free.
He knew that God would catch him
if he ever fell
He knew that God would never send
an altar boy to hell.
He solemnly swore on his honor
to be true to leaders and State.
He promised to keep himself healthy.
He swore to be morally straight.
He signed on as a Jarhead
because of what they said.
They overstated honor,
shoved glory in his head.
If he’d only be willing
he could be all he could be.
He’d surely make his family proud
and make some country free.
In boot camp they reformed him.
They readied him for war.
They taught him how to hate, check
compassion at the door.
He learned his life depended
on obeying their command.
Conformity was needed to
accomplish what they planned
He knew he’d be safeguarding freedom.
He believed in what he was told.
His country would never deceive him
but soon it began to unfold
He went out on a mission,
the purpose wasn’t clear.
He learned he shouldn’t question.
He learned to hide his fear.
Within his mind he wondered.
He couldn’t stop his heart
from hammering his chest so hard
he thought he’d blow apart
He thought he was safeguarding freedom
but doubt was invading his brain.
The landscape was war’s revelation,
the anguish, the torture, the pain.
He signed on as a Jarhead
because of how they lied.
If he knew then the things he learned
he never would have died.
To friendship,
Michael
“The height of arrogance is the control of those who would create god in their own image.” – Ramtha
The Mind Of Michael
Speak Your Mind And Read Mine
), I’m glad you like this song.