Retribution

A poem written for my novel, in the early stages.

 

I failed to return

When my family needed me

Now they're dead and they are gone

And I'm left here to bleed

 

I failed to defend

Those who fought and died alone

I'm a traitor to my country

An exile from my home

 

I failed to forewarn

And they were taken by surprise

My silence is what killed them

I caused their demise

 

I failed to prepare

Those boys thrust into war

One by one they were struck down

'Twas my sin that they died for

 

I failed to arise

When my people called my name

They were ground into the dust

How can I bear my shame?

 

We failed in our duty

And dug our city's grave

We are the guilty ones

And now we must repay

Reviews

[Shawn Drake]

Speaking on behalf of those of us who do not yet know the plot of this story...WOW! Just wow. I'm intrigued...WHERE IS THIS STORY!

[Beth Holian]

First of all, I feel kind of like I am cheating, since I know the plot to the story...

That said, I think that even if I didn't know the plot, the poem has significance and symbolism on a number of levels. On one level, it relays the feelings of anyone caught in a war situation - specifically anyone who was called to arms in the American Civil War or Europe in WWII (I am reminded of the German seige of Leningrad in Russia...) On another, the line about the traitor said to me 'Benedict Arnold.'

I could go on and on....

Great work! I hope to see more!