The Commissioned Coward

Stoically he faces the enemy hoards; Emotionless and appearing almost bored; Courageously, “Onward!”, his battle cry; Masking the coward hiding deep inside. Sending his men to certain death; From a distance he witnesses many a last breath; While he rides secure upon his steed, In the rear of the men he was trained to lead. Medals pinned upon his chest, In royal garb and a crimson vest, While soldiers, barefoot, heed his command; Advancing into the enemy’s land. When all is lost and no more can die; Long after he retreated in this futile try; He laments, “No reinforcements ever came”, Although his incompetence is to blame. His own account of this failed event Includes tales of bravery that he’d invent; Masking his fear and cowardly feats, Creating glory and valor from his defeats.