Onward Soldier

I must have marched the Appian Way in triumph, for I hear the drums again, and I am called by stouter hearts to march among the men who make their peace with death and breathe it in the fight, as seeping blood might feed their lust through the exploding night. I want to feel the shiver on my spine when cannon steel tears into quivering flesh before white flags might interfere and steal what now is mine. Oh yes, I tremble too when sallow men negotiate. I will have none of that. I want to be a patriot before it is too late. Lord, make for me an enemy that I can love to hate. ~