The General

The one in control,
yet not
The one.

Plans
mapped out in front of him,
each dot
cross
and flag.

He turns
to his left
to his right
to see his men,

Millions
on his left,
Millions
on his right.

All
in support.

He Waits,
for the
Signal
to start.

A few seconds,
minutes,
pass

In wait
for the Emperor's
Command.

The bell rings,
the door
Slams
open.

the Decree
tears the map,
Scattering
the intricate dots,
crosses
and flags
across the floor, and
across the room.

He stands, then
Bows Low
to the Decree
as His men
still stand with their heads high,
still standing tall.

Millions
on his left,
Millions
on his right.

All
in support
of His old plans.

He looks up,
as the Decree pats his head
in Approval, then
Slaps
his face
in Disapproval.

Once.

Twice.

His face stays
Straight,
while the
Millions
on his left,
Millions on his right,
Wince.

He Bows,
Stiffly,
face
Inscrutinable.

the Decree
Strokes
his hair in mock
Affection
then
Slaps

Once.

Twice.

Again.

the
Millions
on his left,
Millions
on his right,
Narrow
their eyes

and yet
He Stands
with a Straight
face

because He knows the
Millions
on his left,
Millions
on his right are

All still
in support.

---------------------------------------------
A/N: Stroke of inspiration.


Signing off... ...