How many rot beneath our feet,
their journey done and ended;
- they that tasted death's defeat,
their life and breath expended.
How many holes were dug for those
that now lie dead and rotten;
- they whose heartbeat one day froze,
their breathing soon forgotten.
How many trees were chopped to make
the box in which they're lying;
- they that claimed the final stake,
their hopes and dreams gone flying.
How much earth was forced to bleed
so that they could be hidden
- beneath the grass, beneath the seed,
and from our lives have ridden.
How many yearn in skies above
for days of life and laughter
- beneath on grass, beneath in love
before the end and after.