A Recruit's Predicament

In the aftermath, lying there shattered
of a war well fought but all bruised and battered
the soul jaded and blood all splattered
on the walls of freedom where it all mattered

chosen by fate or fluke
to start a new fiefdom
or be the new duke
would the welcome be popular
or the response be luke.

Answering the sermons like an unobstructed devout
unsure of his potential to wield his god's power or his clout
on the podium where attention is on every action and word spout
would he rile the old guard or bring them about.

the test is not the selection
but maintenance of poise 
to lead through rambles 
and obtrusive noise
would he be tradition's bête noire
or be the part of the bourgeois

brimmed with misdeeds
poisoned by corruption
guided by not principle
but by insurmountable greed
no longer the steel frame 
but a carrion on whom many feed
to satiate their addiction
for money, favors and unquenchable needs

hurt and discontent and disillusioned from this surmise
hapless and agitated but optimistic for a surprise
that may placate the rising fires
and end this turmoil.