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WAR Poem: Inheritance, by George Sarantopoulos

Performed by Val Cole

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Inheritance

Dear Son,

Even before you arrive,
before your name means anything to the world,
there is something
the world will expect you to understand.

This world was made by killers.

Troy.
Thermopylae.
Tours.
Waterloo.
Gettysburg.
Stalingrad.

Each place a moment
when the world narrowed,
words ran out,
and history bent to will
because men chose not to step aside.

All of this
happened before you.
But none of it
relieves you.

You are my heart.
Not my pride.
Not my ambition.

Because of that,
I will not lie to you.
Remember this.

Protect your mother,
for she carried you
from dark into breath.
That crossing binds you
long after you have a name.

Protect your sister,
for in her safety
our house is judged.
What reaches her
reaches the name you will carry.

Protect your wife,
not as possession,
but as the one who keeps you standing,
when love becomes work,
and work becomes vow.

Protect your children,
for they are tomorrow
watching you now.
What you do not hold,
they will be made to bear.

So, son,
when the moment comes
hold the line.
Stand fast