Loyalists Get Crowns Or Thorns

Being loyal is like a child
Clinging fast to its mother's hand.
It is a survival instinct,
Which honesty cannot command.

One is loyal for a target.
Loyalty is task specific,
Time bound and space bound in approach.
In its place enters no mercy.

Being loyal undermines shame,
Defers logic, ignores justice
And works against one's conscience.
A loyalist might succeed or succumb.