Death in battle by Rudolph Tenenbaum

"Death in battle makes little sense," said the secretary of defense. "If one died as the battle was fought, it was definitely his fault. He quit at an early stage because what he lacked was rage, because what he lacked was hate towards the rebellious state. Wasn't he trained to aim? Wasn't he trained to maim? Didn't he have the skill to kill? Weren't his bow and lance weaponry's greatest advance? Wasn't he proud and glad to be iron-clad? Death in battle makes little sense," said the secretary of defense. Perhaps, it was a light wound. Perhaps, like a woman he swooned. But, if he was really dead, then, in practical terms, he fled. His act one must perceive as absence without leave. ~ Copyright © 2008 - Rudolph Tenenbaum Published: 3/13/08   ·  Author's Page   ·  Next Poem