Aftermath

A cold wind sweeps across the plain.

Banners flutter to its rhythm

As a dead silence fills the valley.

The grass bows to the breeze,

Heavy shades of green

Flowing like water

Surround the parties

Poised on the hills

Identified by their flags.

The swords are raised

Signaling the armies to charge.

The deafening silence

Is replaced by the unsettling sound

Of screams of anger and pain,

The clash of metal on metal,

Or a blade striking its target.

As it was begun it is finished,

Both claiming losses

Where no one claims victory.

The valley peaceful once more

But always to be disturbed

By what transpired

Under the setting sun.

What was once green

Now red and dying

Marred by the scars left

By the valiant men

Tricked into thinking

Honor was with them.

In reality it was without reason

With too high a price.