Paralysis

eye to eye
with brutal strength
the crushing weight
of certain destruction

frozen in time
shock rushing through
the shivering bodies
decision making arrested

computing altered paths
diverting any outcomes
process the numbers
fight or flee

shoulder to shoulder
surrounded by screams
no glances exchanged
blinded by hope

all senses numb
the body weak
the coward flees
the hero fights

against certain demise
songs of honor
for dying to
an invisible foe

ghosts of death
specters of blood
whispers of pain
visions of fear

face to face
with the self
only action speaks
for the soul

it's too late
now as before
mired in doubt
nothing was done