Shel Silverstein — The Generals

Said General Clay to General Gore "Oh, must we fight this silly war? To kill and die is such a bore" "I quite agree," said General Gore Said General Gore to General Clay "We could go to the beach today And have some ice cream on the way "A grand idea," said General Clay Said General Clay to General Gore "We'll build sand castles on the shore" Said General Gore, "We'll splash and play" "Let's leave right now," said General Clay Said General Gore to General Clay "But what if the sea's closed today? And what if the sand's been blown away?" "A dreadful thought," said General Clay Said General Gore to General Clay "I've always feared the ocean spray And we may drown." "It's true. We may It chills my blood," said General Clay Said General Clay to General Gore "My bathing suit is slightly tore We'd better go on with our war" "I quite agree," said General Gore Then General Clay charged General Gore As bullets flew and cannons roared And now, alas! There is no more Of General Clay or General Gore