Lieutenant Rosoman was shot through both legs.
To his vest pocket, three years later,
The commendatory medal was pinned.

Marshal Soult carried Jena
But was not so effective at Waterloo:
Yet he didn’t stand against the wall.

Von Stauffenberg failed in East Prussia
And was executed – as were 5000 others.

For all this heroism – blind
Figs and oak leaves;
Against the crossed swords of
Conclusion: one dazzling moment
Illuminating a history book.

# # #

William Goldstein is a chemist by trade. He lives and works in Los Angeles. All rights reserved.

Photo credit: Larry Thacker www.larrydthacker.com