Courage in Battle

His armor gleamed forth in the dawn of the day,
his hand clutched the other in a moment to pray.
The pain of the ribs, a momentary thought,
his head so bewildered, filled, and distraught.

Two trees his shield, his sword drawn high,
the fog his cover, his strength, he could fly.
The enemy undaunted, just seconds away,
the armor so shining, this is the day.

The warrior stepped out, his shield in the bark,
they waited for their signal, the cry of the lark.
Their swords drawn together, grasping them tight,
the moment of glory, the struggle, the fight.

His enemy broke the air, swords to the clash,
the warrior swung sturdy, with a whip and a slash.
Their crimson together, sweat like a bath,
he stumbled to the side, a foot off the path.

A thought for the moment, to run or to hide,
is strength still with within me, my honor my pride?
A second too long he knew his thoughts to be,
the challenge, the struggle, for him to be free.

The moment at hand, pain in his heart,
he leapt forth in glory, courage his art.
The pain of the muster, their dance in array,
the challenge, the tempo, no time to delay.

The sword raised heavily, his target at bay,
he dropped it down quickly, and so ended the day.
His enemy defeated, he knelt down to rest,
two knights brought together, took his last breath.


Darin N. Shank