A Human Obligation.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

the enemy calls for your help
upon a self-made distress
and you want to digress
from that obligation to help all
foes and friends

you extend your hand
and say those assuring words
everything is alright
nothing is wrong
nothing shall go wrong

to the enemy though saved
he still considers you his enemy
you leave him safe
your heart weeps
you have never saved a soul
from the prison of his
inhumanity

with a sigh you move away
there is no regret you say