Halsted M. Bernard

(I have no fear but fear itself)
your self within my own mind caged;
troops’ quick glance at core obscured
and war against the ranks is waged.
I fol­lowed you through duty’s night
and, in our own, the ram­parts glared:
our battle’s cry was but a sigh
and sweet surrender’s all we dared.
(I have no fear but fear itself)
the rifle placed beside my head:
your call to arms, the sound alarms
the white-coats, blood­ied into red;

raise the flag.
          it is your land.
anthem sung.
          I place my hand
upon your heart,
          a stern salute.
treaty signed
          for absolute
ly peace by peace
          now res­olute.
my piece, your piece
           now resolute.

© 1997 by Hal­sted M. Bernard
pub­lished in Galá­pa­gos (March 1997)