no prevarication

what spaces left for those who did not rise
when called to action but chose then to bide
waiting for some sign like a change in tide
uncertain whether to commend or to despise
claiming great aversion to long goodbyes
they could be neither merciful nor snide
but chose to sit while others risked to ride
what kind of ending sat upon their eyes
if there's a place where those who pause
for far too long and cannot find their way
may be appraised and given proper measure
might we by invocation of superior laws
demand that they be stripped upon the day
then denied access to the greatest treasure