How I hate for you
To know such horrors of war.
You too, now poisoned.

     When the Gulf War began I suddenly realized the fear and piercing pain of having a son fighting in a war. I could not get the thoughts of my mother out of my mind. My mother had two sons at war. The fear and pain she must have felt. I did not know. Then, it was my turn to know.
The horror—now you know. Americans have been so fortunate not to have had war come to our shores. Now you know! My God, how you know! My heart breaks for those who must go on despite their losses. Now you know what those who fought in previous wars know. Now you know what the Vietnam veterans went through—now you know. 
 

I would give my life
To spare you these horrid sights.
O. could I do so!