The Cost of Revenge

Battle begins, intentions barbaric,

ready in mail-shirt, hatred as helm.

As arrows rise, the army attacks.

Each side fights fatefully, vengeance as goal.

As the shaft slides from its steady rise,

War-hoards hammer near; wound-hoes in hand.

The arrow arches, impact is near.

The death-dance begins, flashing-lights falling.

Blood-field becomes blood-bath, battle made war.

Neither factions fate is found pleasing;

nor can one team triumph.

Yet still they brawl, blood boiled over,

battle-lines broken, blind revenge dealt;

prior pain caused, Hell-wrath poured out.

Both were revenged, both paid the price.

Combat continues, clay laps life-water;

relentlessly they fight, ever growing fewer.

Lost in blood-lust, blinded by rage,

fighting and falling, a remnant remains.

Toiling onward, strength growing short;

they see the turmoil, caused by their hands

Bone-houses hide the ground, a red-blanket.

Blood pools between, a glassy reflection.

Surveying the scene, asking for answers,

seeking meaning, mourning the cost.

Heaps of comrades, friends, family;

vengeance drove them, now all dead.

Remorse is felt, repentance sought.

Forgive not forget, revenge's price

prevails over harm, caused by disgrace.