Commander

-

 


We field commanders are due at to meet in one month’s time

There is a summit to share news, wins and losses

To form and adjust strategies

I have little to report

My small, distant land is poor

Our warriors are weak or old or both

We don’t have the helms, swords, or shields we need

We don’t have the skills to craft them, or gold to buy them.

These are strong loyal men

Who will defend this land to their last breath

But many have never held a weapon

And none have been trained

I myself am a cook

I’m meant to feed men, not lead them

I fell into this commander role 

At the death of my predecessor

I’ve been stumbling ever since

I am the commander of these troops

I put on a face of calm strength

Of confidence and impending victory

At the summit, I am the least of many

The commander of a tiny remote territory

Ignored or forgotten

Along with my homeland

Along with my people

I am failing them

I don’t have the skills or knowledge I need

There is no one to pass this burden to

We will lose battles

We will lose forces

We will dwindle

And we will die

I am their commander

And I can’t find a way forward.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Some Monsters

-
Image
  Some monsters walk in the daylight Some don’t live under the bed Or in children’s closets The moon doesn’t influence some Some monsters walk without shambling Some have healthy living skin Some eat a diet that doesn’t include brains Some look like you and me They scan your items at the market They walk their dogs and mow their lawns They vote and pay their taxes They drive carpools and set up playdates They work late, or have a drink at the bar They seem friendly and polite They fit in with every day folks But they are monsters nonetheless  
Read more

Vintage

-
Image
I have been a man with dreams I have dreamed big dreams and set big goals Time and life have changed me The size and scope of my dreams are smaller The corners and faces have been eroded From rubbing up against rough days From being dropped occasionally Tripped over frequently Neglected constantly They have taken on a pleasant patina A softness around the edges They are more peaceful, less aggressive They have a comforting weight to them They have endured much But they are still here, and so am I.  
Read more

Closing out May

-
I didn't write much of anything this week, not even in my journal. It has been a busy week, sure, but that isn't the reason. I always have a notebook in my pocket, so I could steal a moment here or there to write down anything noteworthy--anything that could be tugged at, stretched, manipulated and turned into an idea, a theme, or a poem. I didn't find anything to be worthy of writing down. My days were filled with mundane, repetitive, disinterest. Some days are like this. Some times they group together into larger masses. Sometimes they stand in the way for far too long.  As we finish the week, we also finish the month. Tomorrow begins the bright month of June, and I hope to progress my next poetry collection to publication readiness. I hope to continue these weekly blog posts, and the biweekly newsletters (subscribe here).   I am currently listening to " The Handmaids Tale " by Margaret Atwood during my commutes. It has been a compelling story so far, and the na...
Read more