Truth

This was written in 1982 and recorded in 2017.

"The most eloquent heroics ever performed
Are a part of no history's pride.
They were not written down and never took place,
They were done in retreat, in defeat and disgrace
By the dead on the losing side.

The most dreadful misdeeds are a part of no play,
No headline, no poem or book.
These things are unseen but feel them you must
Along with your children when you're come to dust,
For the man who commits them is him you most trust,
Whom legend parades as worthy and just,
Whose crimes we, perforce, overlook.

Bring me the book by the anonymous man
Who sought neither power nor fame,
And I will read it end to end,
For, faceless, he need not pretend
And may in safety make a stand
And treat the truth as he would a friend.
Empty pages fill my hand...
The truth died with his name."