Mars

We laid our names to rest 
  Along the dotted line. 
  We left our date of birth 
  And our history behind. 

  We were full of life, 
  We could barely hold it in. 
  We were amateurs at war, 
  Strangers to suffering. 

  We made our families proud 
  But scared at the same time. 
  We promised we'd be safe, 
  Another lie from the front lines. 

  Our backs against the wall, 
  We're surrounded and afraid. 
  Our lives now in the hands 
  Of the soldiers taking aim. 

  Our questions ricochet 
  Like broken satellites: 
  How our bodies, born to heal, 
  Become so prone to die? 

  Though time is ruthless, 
  It showed us kindness in the end, 
  By slowing down enough, 
  A second chance to make amends. 
  As life replayed, we heard a voice proclaim: 

  "lay your weapons down! 
  They're calling off the war 
  On account of losing track 
  Of what we're fighting for." 

  So we found our way back home, 
  Let our cuts and bruises heal. 
  While a brand-new war began, 
  One that no one else could feel. 

  Our nights have grown so long. 
  Now we beg for sound advice. 
  "let the brokenness be felt 
  'til you reach the other side. 
  There is goodness in the heart 
  Of every broken man 
  Who comes right up to the edge 
  Of losing everything he has." 

  We were young enough to sign 
  Along the dotted line. 

  Now we're young enough to try 
  To build a better life. 
  To build a better life.