Abandoned Blade

A shining length of steel Though tis faded by the years Cast aside in a rocky vale Corroded by cruel Nature’s tears How noble was the weapon When carried in his hand It claimed the life of countless foes When he chose to make his stand But on some thrice-cursed evening When he won again the day The man mourned of endless struggle and put his sword away Content to placate the darkling beasts Grown within his very heart He let them roam and multiply And tried to live his life apart Then they intruded further Yet he would not resist As they sapped his strength by twilight And he stumbled far into the mist The apostle said that faith’s our shield The spirit our true sword That’s why his eyes are gray and dead Like the things he once abhorred 29 August 2019