JeanJack Clemence

For years,
I've lived a double life.
In the day, I do my job
I ride the bus, roll up my sleeves with the hoi polloi.
But at night, I live a life of exhilaration,
of missed heartbeats and adrenalin.
And, if the truth be known, a life of dubious virtue.
I won't deny it I've been engaged in violence, even indulged in it.
I've maimed and killed adversaries and not merely in self-defence.
I've exhibited disregard for life, limb and property, and savoured every moment.
You may not think it, to look at me,
but I have commanded armies and conquered worlds.
And though in achieving these things
I've set morality aside, I have no regrets.
For though I've led a double life, at least I can say:
I've lived.