The One We Left Behind

 

Against the odds,

Despite the gods

Weary Xenophon has a chance

To lead his tired warriors

Back to sea-offered sanctuary.

But the course will never be his to choose:

Across rough territories lorded by

The worst of the worst;

There will be no rest from strife –

And, as we already know the return journey

Is never the same as the one that got us here …

And the beach may not be

The one we left behind.