Classic Poem

We give our children drums to beat
Before they stand upon their feet;
We give them swords and soldiers gay,
And at the game of war they play.
We bend the twig of humankind,
Yet marvel if the tree's inclined.

Early we learn that might is right,
That life itself is one long fight.
This world's a battlefield, we teach;
Business is war — a common speech.
We bash our brother on the nose,
Yet weep if nations come to blows.

Our poems and pictures, books and plays
The doughty deeds of warriors praise.
Our mode of speech, our mode of life
Are echoes of the ancient strife.
The girls dress a la militaire ,
Yet — " war's a horrible affair. "