The Battlefield

From The Battlefield: I stand here on the battlefieldHaving slain my inner foolsI scrutinize the landscapeAnd burn all life-defeating rules I log the land traversedThe mountain-faces scaledDeath-defying inclinesAnd yet it’s clear I have not failed My feet are still beneath meFive and a half feet below my gazeAnd my eyes are still cast upwardsWith gratitude for days My mind is clear and steadyMy heart is pure and lightTho the arrows fly incessantlyI dodge them left and right I’ve withstood here on the battlefieldWhat no one ever shouldYet I know I’m not the only oneWho warriors through this ‘hood If you find yourself, one day or nightOn dangerous terrainGalvanize your righteousnessPlace virtue where there’s pain Don’t let self-pity swallow youDon’t go down that doomed, weak pathDefy the pull to sulk and fearAnd rise with strength to act! Yes, it’s hard! You’re fighting!But look how you’re fielding swordsThis is not the time for comfort and easeLeave the world to its foolhardy rewards Who said this was meant to be glamorous?!What warped illusion promised ease?!The biggest mistake you can make in a fightIs believing the enemy can be appeased My message is simple: be grateful!You are on your feet and surveying the landYour fast-twitch responses are workingAnd your radiant heart beams God-force with command! The battlefield eventually calls each of usIt’s a privilege, so best not to fleeRather gird up your forces of disciplineSo that despite the assault, you may succeed! in loving service, Natalia Rose