What's Another Life?

hearts stop
knees fall
eyes flicker
souls mutter a sound
illuminated, comes a being
sweeping the dirt beneath it
grabbing the lifeless shoulder
of another victim of strife

You better run faster than that
death's lullaby is nearing
closets full of secrets
a lifetime of wanted change
scribbled the meaning
of scarlet eyes
melting away
into a puddle of wasted intentions
another victim of strife

crowds are circling
drowning the voice of good
knees begin to surrender
the silence is tempting
screams of the past
haunt the unfortunate fool
forgiveness lies in burnt ashes
and on the pavement lies
a tortured hero
another victim of strife

casualties embedded in memory
the train arrives
with no ticket you stand waiting
your departure is nearing
torture from childhood
revenge is a mistake
what lies in question
lies in anguish
and lies in eternal rest
another victim of strife

the planet is shriveling
the races are diminishing.
what goes through one's mind
when choices are made,
when deaths lead to victory,
when innocence is buried,
and softly she sleeps
in the warm fertile ground?
a choice
a regret
another victim of strife