In my place

Reuters photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe

The empty boots and blackened helmet
Could have been mine
Streams of tears flowing through a hamlet
Could have been mine
The fallen corpse, lifeless and shattered
Could have been mine
The father lost, leaving a family tattered
Could have been mine
The loss of love that tore another life
Could have been mine
Their little corner of the world in strife
Could have been mine