copyright cwmartin 2011
you adorn
your battle gear
with my likeness
iconic bravery
before the siege
but when
the ribbons of red
rush from veins
you turn away
from what
you do not
want to see
but understand this
i kill
to survive
you kill
to contrive justice
i kill
to feed
my young
you kill
to feed
your greed
i kill
to protect
my young
you kill
with
your young
the night
was the color
of velvet
ribbons
of light
wove patterns
of fear
into their eyes
as they stood
staring
into the dark
praying
for safe return
knowing there
would be none
whispers
had begun
all were lost
the sea
once again
had claimed
its prize
a son
a husband
a father
would not
unwrap
the treasures
beneath the tree
nor would they
ever see
a child’s delight
upon this
holy night
nor would
one person
hear their pleas
for god
to spare
the rod
Read Between the Minds 