Dreadnought

I always it was easy beyond words,
to kill, to snuff out a life.
Never given it a second thought have I,
never has it caused me strife.

I stepped on innumerable bugs,
and swatted countless flies.
Not once did I feel any mercy,
nor did my conscience utter any cries.

Once I grew up to be a man,
I joined the army of my country.
Of freedom and sovereignty,
I now became a sentry.

Enjoying the power I had,
many an enemy soldier I killed.
And derived great pleasure from it,
my heart was always thrilled.

I didn't even know their names,
just that of different colour they were.
I imagined them to be like those bugs,
and to squash them thus, this did spur.

Now, in the twilight of my years,
those faces still return to haunt me.
Gazing at me, staring without expression,
those dead eyes I still see.

The fighting is now over,
that war is long since won.
But history will never forgive me,
nor the evil deeds I've done.

~ Rachit ~

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