I Will Defend

A while back I posted a poem called You're Coming Home - A Song of Death. I liked the poem, but when I read over it, I realized it could be improved... a lot. So I started reworking it. By the time I was done, it was barely recognizable. It really is a completely different poem now. So, I decided to share it with the world. It is titled "I Will Defend."

At home I heard the rumors of war

but on those matters I thought nothing more

Until the day when I was called to the fight

To brave the trials of both day and night.

To fight for king, country, pride,

a gleaming blade placed at my side.

I will defend – my home

I was leaving with honor and heart held high

for my days of glory were coming nigh

till my wife waved me off, tears in her eyes

I could not ignore my child's hungry cries.

To fight for king, country, pride,

a gleaming blade, I hold by my side.

I will defend – my love

My days at war began to grow long

but still no battle songs had I sung

I began to grow weary of marching each day

wishing I was back in my home by the bay

To fight for king, country, pride,

a gleaming blade, unwelcome beside,

I will defend – my joy

I planned on leaving, deserting the group

I packed my things, leaving my troop

but signs of true battle began to show

and into the fight, I chose to go

To fight for king, country, pride,

a gleaming blade flashed out from my side

I will defend – my friends

The snow was crimson with the blood of our dead.

The earth did drink on that which was shed.

My deeds had been wrought, my works were done,

My life was fading with the setting sun.

To die for king, country, pride,

a gleaming blade, red at my side

I will defend – my honor

With my dying breaths I wrote a note

to be delivered and give my family hope.

For I would die for that which was right:

I had returned, and joined the fight.

To live for king, country, pride,

thoughts of my family, resting inside

I will defend