The Tempest

THE TEMPEST

Tonight, at last, my end is nigh,
as Truth, like blood, is nearly gone.
Above, the flag is flying high!
Below- the Tempest rages on!
No more a consequence, I lie
within the shadows of life spent.
The flag, unmoved- uncaring flies.
The Tempest gathers- life is rent!

And as if pausing in its game,
to note how life is blithely tossed
the Tempest to my life lays claim
and laughs as "Honor" pays the cost!
The flag above?  It flies the same
as if the cost were mine alone.
As if the dousing of my flame
was given not for flag and home!

Too late in life I realize
that WORDS are not worth life and breath.
Defending WORDS has dimmed my eyes-
defending WORDS I chased my death!
"Duty" like my last breath flies-
"Honor" lay in bloody earth-
"Country" swallows dying sighs-
The Tempest grins in silent mirth!

And I shall hope and dream no more,
no longer shall I laugh and cry.
Instead I chose the Tempest's door
and choosing thus, so chose to die!
And so the lamb to slaughter's floor
in ignorance and faith did flock.
The Tempest gave a hearty roar-
The flag: become the butcher's smock!

Yet now in death, it strikes me queer
the lie will never see days' light.
For you will find me fallen here
and claim I fell for "Truth and Right"!
At home will fall my mother's tear
in hope of "Hallowed Glory" won.
And one more child will blind his fear
as "WORDS" are whispered to my son!

And in that moment, all for naught
are rendered all the deaths and pain
in all the battles ever fought
on any stretch of sea or plain!
For Man, the fool, will ever choose
to keep his heart and soul in twain.
And so the Tempest cannot lose,
and stretches to increase Its reign!