The Brave Pedestrian

And when did we meet? And when did we part? And what did you say That troubled my heart? And why did you smile? And why did you frown? And why do I feel That I have let you down? And why do I feel That a shadow now stands Between me and my God And is forcing my hands? Did a blade swiftly slash Where I stood, through my breast? Now the warmth of my blood Seeks the earth where I rest. I am mind, I am mud. I am thirst, you are flood. What have I that you seek? I am drained as I speak. Having nothing to give, Having nothing to gain, I crawl like a child. Crawling deadens the pain.

We bleed, dear ones We bleed. Bleed together Bleed apart Peripherically aware Of the pain that we cause The cuts we inflict With sword With shield Blindingly aware of The white heat of pain That we ourselves feel Struck by An adversary's sword Or an ally's shield. We knew of the pain to follow when swords were drawn. Yes, we knew. "Live by the sword Die by the sword," We sportingly said. But Pain, my friend, Is more real Than all the philosophy in the world. We bleed And pay the price for drawing first blood Or failing to. Pray that the adversary's sword was clean. Pray that the ally's shield was clean. Pray that our own blood is clean. Pray that the wound is clean. Pray that the pain that we suffer Is Clean. Pray that the tears That blind us Are clear, purifying. Pray for Cleanness Clarity Purity. But pray not for Peace. Seek not the peace that Makes the sword rust in its sheath. Wounds shall heal But rusted swords... Ah, my friends What can we do to ease th...