I have trained hard to learn the craft of war
Yet love not rancor is my driving force;
I’ve studied every battle gone afore
That I may know the cunning of the worst.
I’ve pushed my sinew to the breaking point,
Borne hardship that did every nerve inflame,
Harsh deprivation did my soul anoint,
Made ‘death before dishonor’ my sole claim.
I do not fear the odds, for fate’s my friend
Yet I love life as much as any soul,
And I shall give my all right to the end
That every action may by truth be told.
What many pay in words, I paid in blood;
When guns and steel fall dumb; what greater love?

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.