From The Battlefield:
I stand here on the battlefield
Having slain my inner fools
I scrutinize the landscape
And burn all life-defeating rules
I log the land traversed
The mountain-faces scaled
Death-defying inclines
And yet it’s clear I have not failed
My feet are still beneath me
Five and a half feet below my gaze
And my eyes are still cast upwards
With gratitude for days
My mind is clear and steady
My heart is pure and light
Tho the arrows fly incessantly
I dodge them left and right
I’ve withstood here on the battlefield
What no one ever should
Yet I know I’m not the only one
Who warriors through this ‘hood
If you find yourself, one day or night
On dangerous terrain
Galvanize your righteousness
Place virtue where there’s pain
Don’t let self-pity swallow you
Don’t go down that doomed, weak path
Defy the pull to sulk and fear
And rise with strength to act!
Yes, it’s hard! You’re fighting!
But look how you’re fielding swords
This is not the time for comfort and ease
Leave 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 fight
Is believing the enemy can be appeased
My message is simple: be grateful!
You are on your feet and surveying the land
Your fast-twitch responses are working
And your radiant heart beams God-force with command!
The battlefield eventually calls each of us
It’s a privilege, so best not to flee
Rather gird up your forces of discipline
So that despite the assault, you may succeed!
in loving service,
Natalia Rose
