I am that dreadful, blighting thing, <br /> <br />Like rat holes to the flood. <br /> <br />Like rust that gnaws the faultless blade, <br /> <br />Like microbes to the blood. <br /> <br /> <br />I know no mercy and no truth, <br /> <br />The young I blight, the old I slay. <br /> <br />Regret stalks darkly in my wake, <br /> <br />And ignominy dogs my way. <br /> <br /> <br />Sometimes, in virtuous garb I rove, <br /> <br />With facile talk of easier way; <br /> <br />Seducing where I dare not rape, <br /> <br />Young manhood, from it's honor's sway. <br /> <br /> <br />Again, in awesome guise I rush, <br /> <br />Stupendous, through the ranks of war, <br /> <br />Turning to water, with my gaze, <br /> <br />Hearts that, before, no foe could awe. <br /> <br /> <br />The maiden who has strayed from right, <br /> <br />To me must pay the mead of shame. <br /> <br />The patriot who betrays his trust, <br /> <br />To me must owe his tarnished name. <br /> <br /> <br />I spare no class, nor cult, nor creed, <br /> <br />My course is endless through the year. <br /> <br />I bow all heads and break all hearts, <br /> <br />All owe me homage -- I am FEAR.<br /><br />General George S Patton Jnr<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fear-252/
