Don't Ask me of News

How many ways can we lose?

"And what is your news of today?"

There is naught I can think of to say
For my news is of tragedy - nay,
Even worse: our son died in the fray.

Too young and too innocent, he
So given to complacency
But excited to battle with me
Whether fighting by land or by sea

Do not ask me for news of our boy!
I've been drained of all pleasure and joy
My relief the war sought to destroy
when a letter demanded: deploy.

This day will melt into tomorrow
Bringing nothing but limitless sorrow
Strength of will it is painful to borrow;
I'd rather climb Kilimanjaro

than answer your question of news.
Which words I'll eventually choose -
It's a bomb I can never defuse...

How many more ways can we lose?