Chief Joseph

I have stopped counting scars.
There is no need
To catalogue pain
Or reference wrongs done.

I have committed to flame
Each offense.
My sword is sheathed
Its scabbard rusty and dull.

I was a student of conflict
A passionate learner
Of every nuance of battle
Disciplined in the art of hate.

Perhaps age dissuades me
Or the knowledge
That targets are more numerous
Than the ammunition allotted.

Odium is a no-win scenario.
Abhorrence a consuming fire
And the only winner of the game
Is one who does not play.

Like Chief Joseph
From where the sun now stands I will fight no more.