The Not So Good Fight

We have used up all our inherited freedom, like the young bird the albumen in the egg. It is not an era of repose. If we would save our lives, we must fight for them. - Thoreau

longing for the holy grail

ignoring the ever closer wail

oblivious to odds

in an alliance with god

forever on guard

i hear the far off song

beckoning

as i stand waist deep in a killing sphere of blood and tears

reckoning

spirit willing but flesh weak

clutching a double-edged sword of doubt and certainty

surrounded by a hostile death rattle

the fife and drum striding forth steadily in battle

banners of tattered faith flying

shattered prayers uttered 'pon trembling lips

spurring me to press on

marching tirelessly forward

unrelenting

standing up for that which is right

choking and spitting an unjust plight

fighting

the not so good fight

Author's Note

"All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one... characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers." - Thoreau