The Urge To Conquer

The urge to conquer
is not confined to Kings;
like an old tomb,
half concealed in moonlight
and the other half in gloom,
the yearning for fresh ground,
for unseen shapes,
and virgin meadows,
reveals itself,
sometimes in furtive thrusts,
at other times in brazen affront,
and often as a complete surprise.

And then memories flood,
as old wounds split,
an exquisite pain engulfs.

Curled up and benumbed
one waits for the next day to come.