A little kingdom

A little kingdom
Where there had been
The brief glory
Of discipline.

The king in his palace
Knew of dangers.
There was a rumor
Of northern strangers,

Mere homeless pirates,
And yet a host,
Working nearer
Along the coast.

He meant to be ready.
He built a fort.
He kept arms burnished
In martial sport.

But he made it unlawful
To name the name
Of war and slaughter
Until it came.

He wanted his people
To love and increase
And be peaceful minded
In time of peace.