Following Orders by Sam Hendrian

Following Orders

Hadn’t been able to look in the mirror

For the last couple years or so,

Scared of exterior proof

His interior was crumbling.

Family all claimed he hadn’t strayed

From the way of the righteous,

Citing the virtue of self-defense

No matter the collateral cost.

He wanted to believe them

And did in the early days

When his uniform hadn’t yet needed

To be washed clean of bystander blood.

Desire can’t write the truth though,

A lesson learned mid-shot

As he watched four years of life

Leave an emaciated face.

Continued following orders

With a soul-sucking sense of duty,

Shielded by justifications

That no longer gave him comfort.