Siege

A gaunt bullhide-covered tower rolls
slowly toward the walls of the doomed town.
Arrows skip harmless from its flanks.

A column of armed men snakes behind
the siege engine. Their nostrils fill
with the smell of blood and dust and smoke.

There's a break in the gatepost. The defenders
have riveted bails to it, but they know
it won't hold against the next blow of the ram.

It's desperation time. Men with pikes
and women with cleavers wait inside the gate.
Children finger sling-stones.

At the edge of the field the wolves and ravens
play tag to pass the time. Soon enough
they'll be left in sole possession of the field.

--for Poefusion

Collection available! Knocking from Inside