03 December 2006

Freed Of Unit Pride


You stand a guilty man the major said,
his mind was closed to damning evidence
suggesting less than guilt, the soldier eyed
the major squarely in the eye, denied the
crime, said in his defence he never lied.

The CSM was moved to passive silence,
knew the soldier never lied, but for this
crime one had to keep the balance
well in check, the soldier was the major’s son,
a worthy heir, and one to whom the CSM

would cede all trust. And retain a reference,
was the gun the major held against the young
man’s head. Agonised, cried inside for truth
and justice freed of unit pride, wore for one
a uniform inscribed with rank well earned

by learning how to lead, the other was in
deference to primacy, command,
and power and might, and though the
right was there by precedence
the charge was wrong.

Sir, the CSM demurred, I might suggest I talk
to Private X, my son, outside. The major raised
his eyes, tired and sore from sleepless nights,
acquiesced in bright relief. Why yes, please do,
and thank you Ma’am, he said.
© I.D. Carswell 2006

No comments:

Post a Comment