A Warrior's Dreams

A Warrior’s Dream


I’ve lived a thousand lives in a warrior’s dream
Knelt against my sword beside a crimson stream
Cried out as the victor when the day was won
fought and bled when in glory there was none
Watched as souls were relieved their burden of flesh and bone
Took pride as my lord was crowned to the throne
I wielded a sword, and axe, fired bow and rifle
Of death and the dying I’ve had an eyeful
I’ve seen smoke drift through the battle like souls of the dead
The bile taste of the maimed and lost have filled my head
I have fought for the crown and for the state, the name of God
For love and for hate
Grieved as a father, a brother, a son, cursed the hand of fate
I have been felled a thousand times in a warrior’s dream
Tasted steel as my breath waned and bagpipes screamed
Waded through the morning mist
Saluted the day with bloodied fist
Given no quarter nor asked for such
Ripped my soul from Lucifer’s clutch
Damned my God, then praised his name
Forsaken him and felt he had done the same
Have been laid to rest in an unmarked grave
Both as a willing soldier and an unwilling slave
My last breath given in honor and in vain
A tempered soul hardened by pain
When the gatherer comes for me, my sword shall fall
Not be propped, dust covered, nor displayed, hung on a wall
My armor not polished nor my shield unbent
Bravery is not lost on those who understood what courage meant
I need no flag or banner to pledge my allegiance to
Only a field in which to fight upon, a thought that is true
Yes, I have lived a thousand lives in a warrior’s dreams
Only to awaken in a world where nothing is really as it seems
One’s integrity is slain at birth
A man’s honor no longer a measure of his worth
Where our mettle is no longer tested
Men are but lambs, to fall and be bested