the king looks across the battlefield

but hours ago
did these brave sons seek
the ruddy kiss of battle

swords as tongues
to teach this new language
harsh and ringing

till deaf they became
to any other sound in fury
then to silence

now lamentations
this field a draped black table
now banquet hall of death

guests silent and pale
cold lips never to taste food or drink
but to be tasted now

still bodies scarlet nurseries
for worms and maggots
the real guests invited

under this moon
cadaverous orb of folly
which has seen so much

of this repeated play
from Cain's sin in first act
till last man kills in front of Christ as judge

and this red tide
has taken away my soul
past any isle of redemption.