Disillusioned.

He marched on, blindingly, into this battlefield still,
A weakened soldier, a vessel containing a burned-out will.
-------
Day by day, losing sight of the fight,
Constantly losing comrades, left and right.
-------
When the flag-bearer fell, dutifully the soldier takes over,
Though this is a task he cherished, hardly ever.
-------
The hands numbing, coldness creeping up his spine...
"I've always fought for many causes, save mine."
-------
"Bitterness consumes me, and I'm losing my humanity..."
"Please God...I lost many things. Don't let me lose my sanity."
-------
With every new step, his legs grew weaker,
At last, he'll face the darkness, his sweet surrender.
-------
While pondering the tempting end - his battered heart rebelled,
'No, don't go down this way. Let your fears be quelled.'

'In the scorching heat, or amidst the falling rain...
Even in your despair, let the true spirit remain.'

'Stronger. Stronger. And stronger.
Above all else, this you must remember.'
-------
The soldier struggled to his feet - weakly, he smiled;
His hand reaches out to the heavens, and for the last time...he wished.