Youth [12-31-09]

Somewhere deep inside of me slumbers a force not to be reckoned with
sleeping with sword belted and boots laced
someday soon to rush forth like a mighty wind
against which all her enemies must bow.
She is a star, burning bright with what will be
As she grows she swells against my eyes and pushes my eyelids open
pouring in scenes of injustice and hate
greed and suffering
Anger and discontentment her placenta
feeding what will come to fruition.
I feast my eyes on the words of dead men
and the ideals that push them into eternity
some take root
burrow deep and begin to sprout
roots anchored in events long forgot.
From the East and West come words heavy with wisdom
teachers and guides who whisper,
Never forget
the humanity of keeping the self separate from its ideals
lest she mistake the one for the other
feeding it until it swells with sin and dies under the weight.
Always remember that love is your God;
You were once so blind and stupid as the brother you fight
And in many ways you still are.
With these truths I build her foundations
leaning on the shoulders of her ancestors
but not for long.
She is all fire and power, trembling with restraint
my past draped like a cloak across her shoulders
my knowledge the thick steel of her chestplate
my wits the keen edge of her sword
my faith the hardy leather hides stretched across her shield.
She paces, turns, paces again
waits like a guardian angel in the wings
runs the whetstone across her blade
Asks me

To what cause shall I lend my sword?
What legion will count me their soldier?
What adversary shall tremble knowing he faces me?
Which wicked and solemn king will I disrobe?
Which will I bring low and dishonor
Till the world sees them and laughs in ridicule
shaking their head
saying 'we will not fall for that trick twice'?
What will I destroy?
Who will I protect?
In whose name will I live?
For what cause will I die?

She says to me
Point me in the right direction
then flee.
Run until you think you are safe and then run further
and when your legs give out, turn and watch the might of my onslaught.
Don't underestimate me.
I can conquer the world.

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Pnelma's Pen