His eyes watched the fields .
The cold, pale grass
The wet wind and grey sky
He longed to be free.

He was a Captain
He had won wars
Yet now like a child
His heart wept in pain

Pain of a starved heart
Starved of Love
Denied love that should have been
But that never was

His thoughts tormented
“I should have died
Death is more desired
Than this futile life”

Why had he lived?
To walk alone?

He wished a hero’s death
Even this forsook

What had he done wrong?
He’d worked for love
And begged all lonely hours
Quietly screaming

The one had not heard
Had not once seen
The anguish secreted
A son’s withered soul

His Father’s affection
He had been shunned
The care only half shown
And never spoken

A pillow alone
Knew of his tears
Drenching its silken case
Whispered words of grief

A sigh escaped him
He closed his eyes
The Captain’s lips trembled,
A tear kissed his cheek.

Hearing soft footsteps
He wiped his tears,
Glanced to see a maiden
Golden haired and fair

She stood a moment,
Then looked his way
Their eyes met and he saw
She was starving too.