Paper horses

oh come
you star-struck
generals
riding towards the flames
with your verve
& bloodshot eyes
gazing at the horizon
while your scarred
fingers flutter
over twisted maps
that have rotted too soon
in your drawers
of dreams

oh come
riding
as fast as you can
with fiery nerves
& pounding hearts
that long for the
weight of medals
upon them

oh come
riding
without
grief or grace
gallantly carrying
the weaker
whose eyes you
mercifully
turn the other way
as the sword comes
down

I too have ridden
for too long
but now
with no
sword or steed
all I have is this
rock
I sit upon
as I watch you ride
towards the flames
upon your
paper horses

Into starlight.