The General shook his head yet again.
What you ask, sir, is plainly impossible!
It has already begun, Richard replied grinning.
With wind and water and sun
We have enough sources of energy
To push, run, twist, turn, sail or fly
Anything devised by us or our children.
Now just a minute here-
And I do not ask, sir.
With respect - I insist.
The Chairman turned his back on the General.
He strolled off, hoping he would be followed.
Now what's he up to, wondered the soldier Watching the tall slicker bend over
Pick up a stick of straw and put it in his mouth.
Might as well stretch my legs, he decided
And poked after the Chairman.
Or else what? he said.
Simple. It's what you've been going
Insane over these past weeks -
If you're still the reasoning
Compassionate human being you once were.
We are willing to die and you know it.
The choice is yours.
Oh no. Not me. I'm just an ordinary-
You, sir. No one else.
The General sniffled, alongside him now.