The Scouring
They came in a single file
Noiseless like wisps of smoke
They'd taken their chances
For they say it's always greener
On the other side.
From the watch tower I perceived
The procession with a depressing pity
They had crossed that line
They had defiled our land
In their innocent quest
For a better day
Retribution was sure to come
Fist, fire and sword in varying measures
I blew the horn.
For that's my role as a watcher
Several others rang in response
Far down below the barracks stirred
So vigorous it must have been a stampede
Then I saw the flaming torches
The cavalry. Itching for combat
Sworn to protect their kin
To safeguard the liberty of the land
To create a formidable history
To die in battle, to bask in the glory
Therefore they advanced
Fearless, bloodthirsty
Against a crippled race
A wounded lot on the trek
Blighted by hunger and their wrangling
Marred and charred and limping
And the fire descended upon their heads
Against the gates they slouched
Begging for leniency
Yet the gatekeeper was a valiant man
And a people were roasted a rusty black
While he hummed to himself
An old hunting tune.
Copyright © Clinton Shilesi | Year Posted 2023
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