The Enemy

The Enemy He was sleeping when he felt the edge of the knife Cold, sharp, hard against his throat. “I am going to kill you now” the enemy said. “Freind” said the waking sleeper “You can kill me if you choose “I lay here helpless at the cutting edge of your razor “But before you spill my blood “And leave me gurggling here in its spreading stain “Please think on what I am about to say The keen edge trembled and quavered “Go on” the enemy said. “Friend, you may kill me, end my life “If you so choose “But it is not me, who will die “But you “I will go on, on to the eternal realms “The next life awaits “I am unafraid of death “But you my friend, you will live “And carry in your conscience this thing you did “You will know “You will carry this deed long after “And forever in your immortal soul The enemy hesitated, but a moment Before slitting the victims throat Such is the monumental stupidity Of the enemy "And against stupidity; even the Gods themselves; contend in vain" ( Issac Asimov )