The Peasant Soldier

I stand on a field
Near a ruined Roman aqueduct
With my brothers around me,
Farmers, woodsmen, peasants.
My spear is my friend.
Taken from our homes
To fight for Kings, Lords and God.
We bemoan our regrets in silence,
Family, children, friends
The lords tell us “Fight for your freedom!”,
But, I know the beautiful lie
We wait to hear the song of war,
I know that the sound of horses is the sound of danger
Knight and steed, chivalry incarnate
Knight and steed, the champion of light
Knight and steed, like the servants of Hades,
I see now, iron men and iron horses
Like a swarm of bees,
I brace my spear and await my fate
I know this is the only end for the pitiful peasant soldier.

(c) Daniel Madrigal 2011. All rights reserved

Attempting tanka

widow wakes at dawn
a moment of tranquil song
freedom of serenity
a dusty furniture store
peaceful corner of a street