Endgame Poem by Ben Gunn

I could not hurt you, try as I might,
with words, inflection, impotent spite,
for pain not borne by lips that say,
is cut by reason then ripped away.

I would not hurt you by dereliction,
of duty, nor tarnished by false attrition,
What sleeps shining shall not awaken,
it binds my true faith never shaken.

Silence and dignity, respect for the gift,
the only defender long since cut adrift,
The purpose forgotten, the conclusion foregone,
You cannot replace
what so
blindingly
shone...


Ben Gunn
1996/2007