Dieu Est Mon Droit

(Sonnet on Prince Harry's Absence From Iraq)

Time was when one Prince Harry went before
The common soldiers in the battlefield,
And admirable Admiral Nelson wore
Full colors aboard Victory unconcealed.
But H. C.A.D. Windsor of the "Blues and Royals"
Will not set boot in Iraq's killing dunes:
Let other mothers' sons die for War's spoils
While you parade and whistle martial tunes.
Holding, as Nelson's summons is repenned,
Your manhood cheap, England expects
Every poor man will do his duty. Men
Die while your palace Privilege protects.
Forget decrees of kings and royal vow;
Class warfare is the real battle now.

May 2007