Shadow Box

Commanding my mind, I gave my heart to

search and experience all things under Heaven.

Then I looked at the works my hands wrought and

committed my soul to embrace wickedness of folly.

"Man is the animal who deals in that

atrocity of atrocities, War. He's the only

one that gathers his brethren about and

goes forth in cold blood with calm pulse to

exterminate his kind. He's the only animal

that for sordid wages will march out and

help to slaughter strangers who've done no

harm and with whom he has no quarrel."

- Mark Twain

Trained, focused, devout - I'd set forth to serve,

but was no match for the dark violence of humanity.

Home now bears little comfort, safety or belonging.

Though thanked for serving I'm ostracized by wounds.

Yet what can one do after that which is done?

As a child I spoke, thought and reasoned like a child.

In wisdom came grief and knowledge delivered sorrow.

Now I see, better than a beginning of things is an end.