Ode to war

The ring of steel on steel chimes
As the battle's tumult climbs
The calls of friend and foe alike
Drowned in clash of sword and pike

The horse's bay, the fighter's cry
As in the air, mayhem doth fly
So oft comes death with unseen blow
'Twixt the ongoing battles flow

Triumph laid low by fated chance
In cruelest War's deadly dance
Man nor Beast remains unscathed
In martyr's blood, the land is bathed

Hark at the dusk's failing light
Heralding the onset of the night
But who remains to bar the door
With night, life fades for evermore

Who the victors, who the slain
As all about bodies are lain
Thus rings the raven's mealtime bell
In this blood strewn glimpse of hell