War’s Asylum
Death makes rounds; gathering those
Too tired for another day’s brawl,
Between first chime and first light.
And so it was.
Time slowed then, strangling breath
And heart fought together then ceased,
Winding down a hard-lived life.
The end at last.
Dreams drive men, evoking war:
The dread night phantasy stirs up
Again to speak with young friends
Long in their graves.
Meet them then, loitering since
Death to storm Valhalla with you.
Brothers in fear and in fight;
Such bonds don’t end.
Alone at last, remarking days
Of harsh words, resounding dark oaths,
Raging late night rows for shame
To rise once more.
Will peace come? Tormenting nights:
Fear and grief united as one,
Pounding still with force too great
For truce just yet.
Two less one: detaching souls.
Bone and blood divided yet still
Shadow, mind yet bound but free
At last to breathe.
Mary McGowan
Blue Granite Review 