When Guidons Fall

T’is said the battle ended as the tattered guidon fell yet those who bear the scars have a different tale to tell. He stood among the bloodied no one special - just a man tears mingled with the blood he shed it had never been his plan. Stumbling he picked her up slowly carried her away cleansed her of the blood and tears erased the days dismay knowing that the battle speaks only to those who were thrust into its ugliness twisted by its gore thus do all battles ever rage long after guidons fall live forever in the thoughts of those who met the call. Their guidon touched the reddened earth and bid them all farewell save one who held her sacred and marched her out of hell. John G. Lawless ©6/12/2018