A Warlord's Tale

Once upon a war Soldiers thudding firmly The ground below their feet, Boot raising the sleeping dusts. To a course well known Perhaps this is their last. . Once upon a defeat Earned with blood Of martyrs, perhaps gullible Littering the field once under them. One, two three shots. It is rest-in-peace . Once upon a General, Dogged and courageous, Strong but firm Sitting and hugging His knees with face Buried in-between. . Once upon a story Stealing tears from an eye That saw it all, With darkness on the other And a dying voice Echoing defeat and regrets.