Aftermath

Blowing out the light of another had the same effect on mine For nothing could deter my mind away from that gruesome thought Coming home brought me closer to what I wished to leave behind Funny how something can worth less than what it actually cost I was sickened by the act I had committed Though the deed was done with the purest intent My return home added to my disgust though I refused to admit it To the smiling faces who thought me to be Godsent My loved ones was overjoyed that all was well with me A thankful gleam in their eyes as they led me to the house But all I could seem to think about was that other family Lighting hundreds of candles for the one I had helped burn out It was at that celebration held in honor of me that night That I finally found what I sought upon going to war To see people praising me for what they concluded was right Is the very reason we will never achieve what we so dilligently fight for We are convinced threats to our safety lies in foreign countries Which is by far a misguided assumption in itself For in order to rid the world of terrorism in its entirety Is to collectively discard the half of one's own self It was a harsh realization as a matter of fact And one that I hoped had not come so late But there was no way I could ever give back The very thing my duty left me feeling inclined to take My epiphony weighed every bit of heavy on the mind So I bowed my head to the floor stained with dirt And I silently prayed that the healing powers of time Would someday mend the hearts of those I knew I had hurt I asked forgiveness for the lot of the world For my unjust actions and my many sins But specifically from that little boy or little girl Who wishes daily for their parent to come home again A tear slid down my wind whipped cheek At knowing that the satisfaction I so long ago sought Would not grant my consciene the peace it so desperately need A lesson that took ages to prepare but in a heartbeat was taught My soul had grown weary of the evening and it showed on my face So I bid farewell to the guest as I took my leave And I went where war was more suitable to take place To my empty house where I was left only with my memories