As Long as We Live(Promise)

Those who give the most are asked for more
The non contributors believe they make rules
Those who charge toward the sound of guns 
Risking all for the promise thought to be fools

The protected won’t respect the protector
Never considering that selfless sacrifice 
They can’t even see the obvious struggle
Never mind the hidden internal fights 

For that principled soul shares all injustice 
They endure and still choose the high road
Issues afflict them just as they do others 
Advancing through what others don’t know

Troops and first responders serve the promise 
Why would anyone try to give that away
What would the wasters leave us possessing 
No plan to finance or defend what they say 

Our culture is changing for the worse now
Rights and entitlements outweigh duty 
When did responsibility leave our world
How can we lead the unknowing to see

Our kind will be those who are asked for more
That being the case more we must give
The weak among us still our responsibility 
Not accepting mediocrity as long as we live 

JBentley-09Feb2026