Fresh Roses

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

There's fresh roses in my house

today.

While on the other side of the world

My children die
and are maimed.

Fighting for,
fighting for,
fighting for...

Dear God,
I have no idea.

My children die each day this year
while my roses do so well.

My children die each day this year
as I play with my dog.

My children die each day this year
as I shop for movies.

My roses grow so well this year
as my children die.

As my roses die each year
my children lose their limbs.

As the garden turns each year
my children come home changed.

As the world turns an eye
our children feed the mill.

And die and die and die and die
to feed a corporate till.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

1. thanks for the nameless recommendation, stranger.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

2. and thanks for the nameless recommendation 2, stranger.

[TomInTib]

3. No roses here.

And my children (young men, aged 23&25) will not serve.

I did my time.

And I would do a different kind of time to keep them out of this trainwreck.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. Good for you, Tom.

As would I.

[TomInTib]

6. Did you write that (roses)?

That was great.

If you didn't write it, thanks for sharing.

This Kissinger/China stuff today has just floated me loose from my mooring. I have always suspected, but am now righteously crazy.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

7. Yes, that's mine. And yes that did bring back memories.

[IndyOp]

11. Tom - Your sons *will* serve in many ways...

By knowing your story and telling the truths they know about this thing we call "war" and "defense" and "service" --

I do my bit when I can to get people to stop connecting the word "service" with "military" --

The ideal that we should ALL serve our communities and country and world, I hold dear. I am against all wars - all.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

5. And another thanks, stranger.

[Jane Austin]

8. wow. Just Wow.

You ought to see if somebody will publish that.

It's, well . . . Wow.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

9. Thanks, Jane....

:toast:

[Alamom]

10. Very touching. TYJ..

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

14. Thank you.

[rosesaylavee]

12. A beautiful work, TYD n/t

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

15. Thanks, rosesaylavee.

[madokie]

13. lubricating the corporate wheels with the blood of our young and brave

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

16. That's pretty much it in a nutshell.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

17. Well done Tom.

:pals:

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

18. Thanks....

And I do love your name.