We Have Done

We Have Done

     We did what you made us do.

Now we lie in darkness beneath

          the winter sun: crisp air

absent from cheeks, rocks piled

          above: hymns forgot.

Retreat troubled us more than gore.

We endure what your god decreed:

     one might say we threw our

lives away: hope gone, empty.

     As men we enjoyed food and love.

Your shame won't be buried with us.

[dramatic monologue]

We Have Done

     We did what you made us do.

Now we lie in darkness beneath

          the winter sun: Crisp air

absent from cheeks, rocks piled

          above: Hymns forgot.

Retreat troubled us more than gore.

We endure what your god decreed:

     One might say we threw our

lives away: Hope gone, empty.

     As men we enjoyed food and love.

Your shame won't be buried with us.

[first version]