Wisdom of the Watcher

Studies his subject intensely Like watching a dance Each move remembered precisely Taking a ready stance Quietly and concisely Evaluating the circumstance Friend, foe, relative, stranger Fellow traveler on life's road A challenger of danger Or one he desires to know Thief of culture and exchanger Maybe a warrior on a rainbow Requires a curious mind To study such a subject And leave preconceptions behind Watchful eyes that suspect Or to recognize in kind Someone worthy of respect So his gaze does not cease He prepares himself for war All the while in hopes of peace Or to tally an ancient score When threat is gone, tensions release And his patience the reward.