A Warrior's Villanelle

Warriors tell a cautionary tale,
and only fools deny this simple fact:
even when a warrior’s efforts fail,

returning with a visage pained and pale,
such carnage to the mind remains intact,
as warriors tell their cautionary tale.

All too often they will not prevail,
as politicians argue how to act
even when a warrior’s efforts fail.

The stink of blood they never may inhale,
but soon enough a scapegoat will be sacked,
for warriors tell a cautionary tale.

Well told, it makes the listener moan and wail,
knowing that their courage he has lacked,
even when a warrior’s efforts fail.

War is hell no matter what the scale,
with Death the only winner in this pact:
even when a warrior’s efforts fail,
warriors tell a cautionary tale.


(C)2004, Robert Godwin