A monument stands in Charlottesville above the battlefield above the battlefield painted airwaves, painted bylines interpreted individually or socially shared in a race to opinion But bodies on the ground mark the moment bodies on the ground mark the day A monument to a soldier of stature and allegory above the dying sons of Chancellorsville, he watched and outmaneuvered. a maestro of the Battle the Huns and ghosts, arms waving, a battle of inflexible sides brothers and cousins fixed in creeds, sword ready for uncompromising sentiments and refusal to bend all eyes on the leader the conductor of the interrelated instruments of this dance of death. But bodies on the ground mark the moment bodies on the ground mark the man Tangible limb and valor or artificial heroics of pontificating bluster medals and statuary vomit and flesh these battles: Somme, Leningrad, Gallipoli Battles of widows and sons screams in the darkness fallow mercy untilled understanding Only bodies on the ground mark the moment bodies on the ground mark time Both sides lose where no concessions are given hot hostilities employ hate and scatter isolation in uncivil war objectives are overlooked for moneyed puppeteers and the dominos that fall each in turn squandering life and connection Only bodies on the ground mark the monument bodies on the ground mark mankind
Wanderings and Reflections