Poems for the few

soldier

"I did try to sustain some normalcy

first I tended to his wounds harmlessly

but when he moved on to much warmer seas

I feared there was not much chance left for me

His days grew shorter as mine grew longer

his mind did grow weak as mine grew stronger

I tried to stay but his days were numbered

I was weary of his growing hunger

nights would pass, echoing his hiraeth dreams

I could do nothing but listen to screams

the terror had now poisoned his bloodstream

I feel his horror was stored in his genes

it was only then when we neared the end

that I had begun to forget to tend

to his wounds and I regretfully send

my sincere heart, I hope we can amend

with you for a father he was sure doomed

the inevitable fate that did loom

family history that hides in tombs

great great grandfathers that had the same wounds

i'm sorry that I had to be the one

that did tell you of the death of your son

but death's better than what he would become

because I knew for sure he would not run

maybe I did do for him what is best

for now he can die and sleep with the rest

sound in his coffin, one of the best dressed

wearing on his chest, the family crest

power and pride had stripped him down to bone

at least he did not have to die alone

at least we could then bring his body home

at least he is not buried on his own

maybe he did not die a noble way

his name wont be engraved and on display

and perhaps that is to your own dismay

perhaps you will go away and now pray

pray for his name to be honoured once more

pray that heaven has not yet closed it's doors

pray that he did become the commodore

pray for his unjust, and untimely gore

so this I will say before you again

I left his body out there in the rain

I know all I get from you is disdain

I cannot rid my hands of his bloodstains

but in this world of only black and white

where your instincts do tell you to take flight

I did not have the strength to stay and fight

so please just behead me now, if you might."