Toy Soldiers

By Cliff Lake


Toy Soldiers

 

Intelligence man

Lost in a fallen empire.

Does what he can,

Redrawing maps is his desire.

 

A megalomaniac

With something to prove.

He is shifting his maps,

And his toy soldiers move.

 

Missiles fly from town to town,

Destruction that rains on down.

He wants to wear ungiven crown,

Toy soldiers hit the ground.

 

Blood spills the desert sand,

Madmen in ancient feud.

Genocide near at hand,

Human lives devalued.

 

Move toward occupation,

Unsafe in hospital gown.

No mere desolation,

Famine now the loudest sound.

 

Missiles fly from town to town,

Destruction that rains on down.

He wants to wear ungiven crown,

Toy soldiers hit the ground.

 

“Cleanse the land” the claimed prize,

Fear the streets if you are browned.

Revive all the old lies,

Unwanted skins now outbound.

 

Chicago, Chicago!

Will sidewalks combat boots pound?

How long will this ill wind blow?

Thinks he’s already won the round.

 

Redcoats fly from town to town,

Indignity that rains on down.

He wants to wear ungiven crown,

Toy soldiers hit the ground.

 

He tries to move the lines,

He makes himself a shrine.

Collects friends with no spine,

While he pretends to be hardline.

 

Fetish military display,

More on the streets every day.

The only way is his way,

He puts his toy soldiers into play.

 

Draftees fly from town to town,

Deceptions that rain on down.

He wants to wear ungiven crown,

Toy soldiers hit the ground.

 

Cliff Lake 8/25/2025

Copyright © Clifford Lake 2025

Location: Washington, DC, USA

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