There's a graveyard near the White House
Where the Unknown Soldier lies,
And the flowers there are sprinkled
With the tears from mother's eyes.

I stood there not so long ago
With roses for the brave,
And suddenly I heard a voice
Speak from out the grave:

~I am the Unknown Soldier,"
The spirit voice began,
"And I think I have the right
To ask some questions man to man.

"Are my buddies taken care of
Was their victory so sweet
Is that big reward you offered
Selling pencils on the street

"Did they really win the freedom
They battled to achieve
Do you still respect that Croix de Guerre
Above that empty sleeve

"Does a gold star in the window
Now mean anything at all
I wonder how my old girl feels
When she hears a bugle call.

"And that baby who sang
'Hello, Central, give me no man's land'
Can they replace her daddy
With a military band?
"I wonder if the profiteers
Have satisfied their greed
I wonder if a soldier's mother
Ever is in need7

"I wonder if the kings, who planned it all
Are really satished
They played their game of checkers
And eleven million died.

By: Billy Rose