Old Hippies

In the 60’s
High school diploma
Came with draft notices.
Boys took a toke or a smoke
And packed a duffle for
Canada or Vietnam
Burned draft cards
And bridges.
“Make Love, not War”
As men came home
With dog tags
Or in body bags.

Old Hippies
Their faces reflected
On a smooth black granite wall
Names of the boy next door
Etched by mother’s tears
“War! What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!”*

*Acknowledgment: Edwin Starr