War

Behind the slumbering vast shape,

Its pleasant dreams a clamour did drape.

Of coming strife to its body and life,

Mounted upon a long scabbard and knife.

Its million heads moved by alarm,

In confusion blared arguments of bedlam.

Through this pandemonium a will

Weaved through voices with singular skill.

Each it touched it woke a little more,

Grew by coming conflict with their future store.

Omnipotent will greater than cosmic chaos,

Moved immutably its every minute aims.

By the drums and bugles of war did wake,

A musing serpent slung on God’s neck.