When the people knew you
That other time
You were not as now
A crowding General,
Firing into your own
Ranks;
Forcing the tender skin
Of men
Against the guns
The very sun
To mangled perfection
For your cause.
Not General then
But frightened boy.
The cheering fell
Within the quiet
That fed your
Walks
Across the mines.
A mere foot soldier,
Marching the other way;
A lonely Particular.