—brings no relief—

Should we have stayed? could we have fought?

Or is this land condemned, foredoomed?

So broken, can we be restored?

*

Scattered away, apart, abroad,

We question, doubt; there is no good...

Should we have stayed? could we have fought?

*

Once you've lost hope, what else you've got?

What if—relive—brings no relief—we could?—

So broken, can we be restored?

*

Once, 'twas a thought, now just a spot,

A speckle at the edge of mind, it loomed:

Should we have stayed? could we have fought?

*

And there's no answer. Our cohort

Is strong but weak, for we all share this open wound.

So broken, can we be restored?

*

It brings no comfort; words contort.

So hungry with these thoughts for food:

Should we have stayed? could we have fought?

So broken, can we be restored?