This poem was written for (“by”) one of the characters in my first novel, Tyrants.
Of all the tyrants big and small,
We come, the meekest of them all,
For all oppression that we do
Comprises that which leads us to
Exalt the means above the end,
Betray the trust of trusting friend,
Abandon love that comes to aid,
Or flee the mess our weakness made,
To stress the bonds of love well tried
Until two kindred hearts divide,
Or turn upon ourselves in hate
Begrudging much that seals our fate.
Of all the tyrants big and small,
We come, the meekest of them all,
I cringe to think what we might be,
Were we to wield more tyranny.