Patriot

“I’m so proud of you son,”
the sunburned rancher said.
“You shot that pesky sheriff,
behind the barn, he’s dead.
For in this troubled world
of white and black hats
don’t worry, follow me,
mine’s a shady shade of grey; and that’s
my booming war cry—
all I’ve got to offer,
Obey my arbitrary order
to raid the hungry village coffer.
I’m so proud of you son,
so strong, so noble, so hopelessly, blindly loyal,
fight for me and when you die
you’ll have a hero’s funeral.
For your country, for your home,
for the lives of those you love,
your scarlet blood is mine to steal,
I’m blessed by up above.
So venture forth brave warrior,
your tired horse, your father’s gun,
toil ‘til my grudge is spent,
this endless war is won.”

©Bethylene, 2003