Afterward, I Will Return [Revised]

The quaking thunder in the distance
has shocked my ears from silent lore
Upon the sounds of war's persistence
fear grips my soul like n'er before.

The clashing sounds of unsheathed swords
in battle comes the will to fight
A land that's claimed by ugly wars
gains strength upon this tepid night.

Mere mortals rise in deafening flight
beseeching all their screams of pain
To strike against the foe in sight
another foot of freedom gained.

From trenches flee the sole remains
as cannons strike their fury's tune
Scattered spirits fall from the strain
to lie among the fists of doom.

As sudden comes the quiet bloom
in ashes swell the fevered burn
The soldier's weakened form entombed
beside me not to be returned.

Silent steps the mind that's churned
against this night as freedom rings
But from the death a lesson learned
a chasten to the soul it brings.

Now screams the mind inside it sings
voiceless mangles its refrain
A shrieking sound with wordless flings
as it passes o'er the ash again.

No humble course to hide the pain
inside the broken battle blue
Not but a cry or breath remain
Upon the winds in dusty hue

Silent thumping no longer true
but surely is my will to live
So that I may return to you
and to you all my love I'll give.

Now silent beats the war relived
as crimson runs from heart that's torn
Upon the wake of dawn's first kiss
my spirit from the ash is born.