War Music

Robert James Berry

Across the backs of the years Kings break like reeds Ascendant, vanquished, In a chronicle of implacable feuding. This war butchery never abates. Lust for dominion is infinite. Sanctified men have blood-drenched these parishes, The centuries planted a raven battle flag On these monster-haunted fens, Till history tells of two rage-blind soldiers Whacking each other with shovels. Such times do not fade. The sun still spills in the sky With the gore of conquest Until on every page of our annals There is blood, ash. Such brutal war music.