When Rabid Rebels Rise Break Sworn Oaths Poem by Terence George Craddock

oath is sworn does it matter to who?
oath is sworn does it matter when?
how long ago under what conditions?

it matters to who; the greater the power strength resources
the greater the consequences if when revenge is terror taken
it matters when; time passion is key to emotive memory rages

it matters conditions; are complex webs loyalty life bond risks

oath to self friend relative ruler?
sworn upon what does it matter?
broken upon what conditions or none?

oaths to who sworn sacred honour kept deceit broken
are mental moral qualities individual life defining
measure of a man woman acid test tested in actions

will lord attack lord robber baron
against robber baron or against who's rule?
will tribe clan nation or nations rise
in revolt seize what lands palaces resources?

conflict scale duration issues raids or resource draining long wars

when rebels rise rabid will rebels kill or imprison
supporters of rule opposed they rebellion rise against?
will most powerful influential fight with peers peasants?
for greed personal advantage religion or nationalism?

leaders the most ruthless cruel heartless
feared inflict civilization chaos damages
empires birth death spilt blood floods

when rabid rebels rise break sworn oaths
lands burn peasants die flame sword violent deaths
wounds agony grievous starvation plague sweeps scorched lands

swift conquest new map drawing defining moments
or borders defended stasis strengthened weakened
power vacuums invite challenge exploited changes


Terence George Craddock (Afterglows Echoes Of Starlight)
Copyright © Terence George Craddock