Too Great a Price

The blood of the innocent stains my dimmed sword
Those who died to protect the great treasure hoard.
Before me lie riches of diamonds and gold,
The greatest fortune that mankind can behold.

It should all be mine, I have fought ever battle
Buried my brave comrades who died thus as cattle.
But my poor mind was consumed by power and greed
I've won every battle but broken each creed.

A man's lust for power can lead to destruction
When that man's mind has been transformed by corruption.
What really is considered the greatest prize?
The treasure I see before my very eyes?

Heaping mounds of riches that lie before me?
Or something far greater, that I couldn't see?
I'm forced to face the the truth, words I couldn't say
For human life is too great a price to pay.

Turning away in true shame I let my sword fall
It was all in vain, my quest to have it all.
Not knowing what on my return I would find
I depart leaving my blood stained sword behind.