The Eyes Of An Officer

(Dedicated to HWC, jasmine, White Queen, Lady Granad, S2, F.Filly, and all the other
great members of the list who have given me help and support with my writing.)
 

Look into the eyes of an officer,
Eyes that have seen both beauty and pain.
Look deep into the eyes of an officer,
Wet with tears and toughened by the strain
Of command.
Eyes that were once so full of joy!
Until they saw the war, and it began to destroy
The sweet, ignorant spirit inside the man.
Look at the horror reflected in the young leader's eyes
As he watches his men's blood drip from his rough hand.
A face so sad and immaturely wise,
Grief so strong he can barely stand.

Look into eyes cold as stone,
Framed by a face that has felt so much.
Hardened and chiseled by being alone;
Once filled with tenderness for a woman's touch!
Eyes that adored a woman's smile,
Until they beheld innocent death.
An infinite mile
Of women and children drawing their final breath,
Crying all the while.

How can his eyes help but weep?
How can this giant hold back the tears?
Eyes that long for rest but can never sleep,
All rest destroyed by hate and unknown fears.
Eyes that scream war's question: "Why?"
Eyes that wish they could not see.
Until the fierce, hot light begins to die,
Then the weary officer's eyes pass on;
They enter into a brighter dawn,
And fade into eternity.