VIII. Highlight Reel

The Apple Zed

From “The Fruits Of Their Labours” (2014).
Copyright © 2014 by The Apple Zed. All rights reserved.

Staring down Death in the hell that was war
I’d seen no memories, flashbacks, or visions
I only saw myself cowering in fear

Gasping for breath, seeking only safe shore
I glimpse the images one sees before dying
As well as myself, suddenly resolute and clear

Why give me such a reprieve two weeks out
Only to cash in as I thrash about?
What of my odyssey? Has it no clout?
Have you no honor or shame?

You took my parents in the prime of their lives
And I never even had the chance to say goodbye
You took my best friend, and left me to comfort
His devastated, would-be bride

Why give me warning when others had none
Only to whisk it away and then run?
I’ve no intention of ceding this one
Two can play at this war game

And I revel at the love I saw firsthand
And how it shattered in the face of fates unplanned
Now this boy in blue is finally going to take a stand
Against your malfeasance, against your malpractice
Against your iniquity

You overtook them. No chance of appeal
Amnesty, pardon, or even last meal
But you exempted me from this ordeal
Don’t you remember?

You made this deal. It’s not yours to subvert
I am entitled to my last dessert
Cross me, my friend, and hit the dirt
I will not stand aside. This deceit I’ll defy
Until I taste my Golden Apple pie