Dereliction of duty
A soldier stands firm
Unable to release
Bullets into a crowd
That held women and children
Prevented such
Too much bloodshed
An honourable touch.
Stiff, starched
And without empathy
Officers to judge
Old men with
Moustaches
Medals and crust.
Proper procedure
Was regimental
A verdict was reached
Raised voices
At sentencing
Death deemed just.