Aug 05 2007
Tilling the Man
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By Horace Coleman
8/5/07
When a most famous warrior leaves
the playing field for the slaying field,
it’s not “wise” when his demise is by
the hand of one in the same command.
When friendly fire tears friendly flesh,
war’s haze can fill a maze of lies.
It began with those who chose
to burn the slain man’s bloody clothes.
By unwritten regulation
(and with no hesitation)
those higher up tried to bury the blame
before the man to avoid the shame, overly
praising his already glittering name.
As usual, it was the stupid lie,
as much as the anxious deed,
that made a brave man die
and announced fate’s crime
with a loud cracked chime.
Nothing pat about that.