WOE

Woe

To you leaders
Who failed
To sound the alarm
When at first you saw the
Edges
Of the enemies' spears -
Glinting in the early morning sun -
As they pierced the
Horizon of your sight.

Them marching steadily
toward our gates -
toward our children's home;

You, silent in your
Pride and anxious
Embarrassment of not knowing
What to do.

And now,
Now you turn to us
Who have trusted
Your crown until now -

And you ask us

At this

The eleventh hour

To save the kingdom

With our lives.

Woe to you.

Power wears out those
That do not have it;

Who do not possess it
Truly
In the heart.

TJM+