(Second in Command) – Vandal Poem of the Day

Consider the plight of subordinates, say, Reno,

which drags a bit behind Vegas, or Custer’s Rosebud-

crossing Reno, Lakota whipped and glory broke, a xeno-

phobe whose kingdom come was Sioux and Cheyenne flood.

He’s called a Queeg for having headed south

and leaving his General with troubles that converge

when reckless captains overcalculate their worth.

They’d rather have lamenting tabloids sing a dirge

on their behalf, so here’s a little snack for you, scout:

don’t let arrogance drive you up on bridge or bluff;

take a little time to sum up and make out

which routes pass for fortitude and those too tough

given the geometries we plot from positions

on high—fame’s runners-up sometimes are sages

provided they meet what they’ve met with contrition,

if only to cut and cash the future’s forgetful wages.