Existing quietly,
trying to remain invisible
in this world which I live.

Avoiding eye contact
of all the would be judges.
If they only knew the truth,
the dark secrets held in this heart.
The ghosts flashing at breakneck speeds
through my mind at night.

What judgement would be passed,
would they run me out, from my now second home.
All for things they know little of,
but speak with deep conviction.

For a deeper understanding,
seeking knowledge,
you came innocently asking questions.

I am afraid there are no innocent answers,
others will surely not understand.

The knowledge you seek,
has terrified the strongest of men.
It has left the Angels exposed to it, trembling,
and from it, I cannot hide.

There comes a time,
when even peacemakers must make a stand.
Hands that tend plows, factories, and children,
must take up weapons of war.

You can be meek,
yet wield a sword.

These very hands have shed blood,
in the name of God and country,
coming to do thy masters bidding.

My eyes have seen death.
Though it did not come for me,
I fed the beast all it could devour.

You say peace.
I tell you it can never
truly be found,
not for me at least.

Somebody claims victory.
I ask, at what cost?

Faces of the dead scream in my mind,
mournful cries ring in my ears.

I cannot with any certainty,
speak of a heaven or a hell.
I am only sure of one thing,
and that is death.

Chants of;
"God Save the Queen,"
and "God Bless America,"
resinate at the footsteps of young lads,
children turned into soldiers.

I say,
God save the soldiers,
and God Bless the innocent victims
that are left behind.

Alone we carry our secrets.
Seeking forgiveness from those who can
no longer give it,
in a world that is no longer ours.

I only wish I could have died with it.

08/18/2003

Posted on 08/29/2003
Copyright © 2024 Adrian Calhoun