Spoil of War

Born early in the year
his dark eyes opened and blinked
amazed with the world
that was Athens 431 BC

His brown curls grew as he did
the child learned as the student
where life was his school
Some lessons he enjoyed
others made him cry

As a young boy he played
he fought with his friends
just as his father fought with the Spartans
until one day when he suddenly left

He liked to run
even though he had to stay
within the city walls
he felt
as though he could run
to the edge of the world
and the end of time

As a young soldier he was strong
he was excited
his first battle came
the excitement disappeared

He was a good Athenian
they all said
he fought well
he wanted to run again
before he could run
he would save Athens

The last battle came
he was tired
yet very proud
this would be the day
the day of their vict--

It was the day
the last
27 years of a life
from the beginning of the war
until the very end

[2012-05-08]