Aeas

He sailed with many to the Trojan land
With spear, shield and sword at hand
A walking legend amongst the Greeks
Aeas, king of Salamis.

A leader of the Achaean fleet
Hundreds fell dead, before his feet
Even Hector was about to fall
But was saved by the nightfall.

When great Achilles died
Aeas rescued his corpse
Took it away from the fight
Away from the Trojan dogs
He desired his weapons
As an honoring reward
But they were given to Odysseus
He felt dishonored, betrayed by all.

Great anger filled his heart
Tried to take the leaders apart
But Athena clouded his mind
Instead his sword sheep will find.

When he woke up the coming day
He knew the price he had to pay
He left alone, a hero ashamed
Broken and stripped of his fame.

“Oh hear me now my sword
You took so many lives
And great glory brought
At last you shall take mine
For It’s clear I don’t belong
To this unfair place
And as I see what I’ve done
You my friend shall end my days”.

And thus how the great Aeas fell
Shamed by his acts of wrath
To live or die a man, he tells,
With honor is his only path.

Like the leaves on trees
Generations of men are found
Forever in a cycle like this
Of brief tragedy are bound.