Unreconciled [POETRY]

West Point Reconciliation Plaza Memorial

Now that our military’s woke – and weak--
Let reconciliation be rejected!
This is the West Point way now – not unique.
Therein, scant trace of valor is detected
By Rebels or by Yankees who regard
With ageless eyes the soulless degradation
Of what they did, triumphant or ill-starred.
Dishonored is the whole surviving nation.
Gutless and bitter creeps, of slogans made,
Judge all the generations of their betters
Because of virtue they have grown afraid.
Some idle tweets – and you’re a man of letters,
If you’re a man at all. What you tear down
Is your sole source of subsequent renown.

This was posted on Flammeus Gladius on August 16, 2024