Mischance Poem by Hannington Mumo

Without half-hissed complaint he trudged on
Through many heat-crimsoned sands of fate,
Humming sadly uncheering anthems to charm
Countless tripping odds that beset their mate.

Over slowing mounds snow-capped with chill,
He labored on across freezing heights and hill;
Yet not even beyond the homely horizon ahead
Did he espy the rest sought with a biting dread.

Faithful to the ideals in gallant soldiers' creed,
He strove on with unyielding energies and gut;
Equipped with nothing but the reassuring hope
That morn dawn's when all night's terrors shut.

Creepy trails in eerie woods eternize his walks
Into odd lands where spookiest serenity stalks.
Echoing cries devoid of soothing tears well say
Just what awful ills he saw in life's testing way.

Long trek on lone paths with gloom overcast,
Carries on oblivious of all grisly oddities past.