Hero Trading, from Kim Zussman
He hoped to be a hero
One day atop the hill
Surviving all the bullets
Expert at the kill
.
But then one day he noticed
How they all try and die
The sacrifice was futile
Objective was a lie
.
The experts at the killing
Drop them one and all
Friend, foe, and family
One by one they fall
.
Until the hill is barren
Adobe red with blood
The hero stands alone there
Above the boiling mud
.
The lady sits in waiting
A dark and empty home
Her face the mirror changing
Her hair pulled in the comb
.
Her gallant lads are fighting
A war without an end
Will it be reversing
Or is this now a trend
.
All the men who loved her
soldiers through and through
Killed in the great battle
Wet skin all grey and blue
.
He couldn't be a killer
And didn't run too fast
They noticed he was thinking
So saved his shot for last
.
His final thoughts ran from him
Fanning into space
The last thing he would ever see
Was her lovely face