Random Leaf #842 precisely cut

All the cheers and praises toward me—

the general—

fell too weak

compared to the deafening silence

the dead cheered

long before the war ended.

We made too many promises—

we hoped were true,

but all believed were lies.

It’s in the eyes, I tell you.

Oh, but I did hope they were

truly so—

as our smiles and bright faces glowed,

right before dying.

All the world’s gold,

recognition, praises, cheers,

statues, records of commendation—

all too trivial,

as I lay to rest the last body

we finally found—

one I could call my own.

They followed me;

they pushed through with me—

for me;

no leader would ever want

better men than them.

And I failed them.

I stand

as they lie

buried a few feet beneath.

No sane man

who went to war

would win

and wish to celebrate.

The enemy may have lost,

but we—

I—

also lost far too many.

This is my failure.

This is my sin.

I am one who led

good people—

not to victory,

but toward their demise.

No!

There is no honor in dying.

This

is

the truth.

Oh, but I am no deserter—

and I am bound to my duty.

Oh, how I wish

there was

a better end.