defile

all my hopes
muster and march
towards one
who may command
as he please

send them defiling across a chasm
to leap like lemmings into an abyss

wash his hands of them
choosing dereliction
against my conscription


he may send them back to me
fed and fighting fit

or like flag corp in formation
to telegraph intention
he may order them in celebration
with brass band show admiration

ending my fear of devastation
as I wait like wary war bride
for telegraph and chaplain
or the sure and steady stride
of the hopes
who into battle went