I was well-armed, And I dug in. Bolted the garrison gates, Posted my defences on turrets Of pity and self-loathing; Attacked with self-righteousness And posturing. After the expected one hundred years, You retreated and fled, Yet I awaited another on-slaught, Sharpened my sticks, Mounded my stones, Prepared for a signal. The Keep has long fallen, The moat is weedy and dry, But I've left the drawbridge down, Dismissed my guards, Examined my scars. I am a veteran of domestic wars, With no benefits.