The Ballad of Surge

Warrior born of rage, the new Mr. Cane
Fragile soul choked lifeless with others' pain
The gladiator code your father would demand
With the back of his hand, replaced the innocent lad
His pride drove you to fight for a world who'd abuse
Their freedoms you'd protect, while yours they'd refuse
Then Hell tore your flesh from its skeletal frame
Which hurt worse? When they took your arms, or stole your name?
Tin half-man
Not much human remains, wounds filled with skin of steel
Replace what the Bone Saw took, can you still feel?
Closest friends and loves in your hour of need depart
Metal shields the organs, but can it shield your heart,
Tin half-man?
You wouldn't choose this life, you've said, chose you instead
All you've yearned for was peace, love, rest, for a child now dead
Escape for you was readied, but you're blinded by your blood
The filth of unforgiveness clings, you chose wallowing in mud,
Tin half-man
Fight on--for the helpless? Or revenge? Mock the hero, kill?
Destroy them all before you fall, and dust and rust, fall you will
By your Maker's hand? He's not to blame, the guilty party lies
By his own hand, your own hand, why'd you have to die?
Tin half-man

Melvin W. Hartford, Jr.