Ode to a Soldier

You’re right.
I’m conceited.
Creator
Sustainer
Destroyer of all life.

Even so
I gave you fair battle
and in it spared your life twice.
When you cowered in fear
I closed your eyes
so that you may not see my awesome form.

Revived you.
Hugged you
In your last moments
when you put two and two together.
The riddle of war
finally unfolding itself.

But, how you taunted me?
Even as you are but a cricket
I may crush beneath my feet.
Laughed, as I encroached upon you.
Waving flags and beating chests
Dumbed down by wine and boyhood bravado.

Did you think you could come out alive?
Colored your face in ambush.
How now covered you in blood?

What caused you to rip from the earth a rose
I shall not know
but the thorn must have bled you,
And my sword must have bled you.
For all I see now is a little boy without his mother.

Tell me.
Do you miss her?
That place of warmth she cradled you in,
and gradually pushed you to your doom?
That senseless soul I created to unfold your fate.

Blinded by hate
A carcass of pride
Age made her jealous of your youth.
My beautiful Youth
To whom is your allegiance now?

Hide your face?
Do not hide.
It is not your mortal mother,
your ruler
But I
your Maker.

I, who created the world,
forgive
offer Justice
Patiently consider
as your eyes open
and you do repent.

And so,
Sweet Soldier,
do not fear.
When all becomes dust,
Whispering incantations
I shall summon you
To the other side.