Demosthenes Desertion

Derivations can perplex the best I say

Etymology might lead to places far away

Meager things said with little significance then

Origins humble but now when

Some one utters these words in phrase

The meaning expands and may often erase

Humble thoughts by the originator

Every word now spoken given a new demeanor

Now Demosthenes the Athenian orator and statesman

Engaged in a battle at Chaeronea as a infantryman

Saw that the Macedonians were winning the fight

Devastatingly killed 3000 men but Demosthenes took flight

Escaped with his life but censured for desertion

Such a coward they called him who opted to run

Every time they saw him the people cried shame

Retorting he would cry to clear his name

“The man who runs away may fight again”

It has over time become an adage with melodic refrain

One can hear them say “He who fights and runs away…”

Never is a coward because he “…will live to fight another day”