Raid Tank

I was trying to find a way to express how a tank (the guy who gets beat up so others can do their job in a gaming group) would feel. What kind of mindset does a person have to be good at this job?

The knots in my arm and shoulder.

Don't worry about it.

I'll be fine. 

Today we have work to do.

The broken bone, the torn muscle, the ruined joint the healer fixed.

Yeah, It still hurts. 

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

The twisted ankle and jarred shoulder

when my shield protected you last night

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

I'll hide my scars, my limp, my aches and pain

Give me the damned herbs and I'll be fine.

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

Each scar I hide has a story, and someone I protected.

Someone I've walked with to Hel and back.

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

I may not be able to stand and bear the weight of the world on my shoulders.

But this I promise you. I'll walk with you.  I'll be your shield.  You'll come home safe.

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

Stand me up, help me put my armor on.

I know the pain to come.  I volunteered for it, as I have done many times before.

Don't worry about it. 

We have work to do.

I will sweat.  I will bleed.  I will cry.  I will not bend.  I will not budge.  I will not break.

I know the cost of failure should I falter.  The reality of it branded in my mind. 

Make no mistake. As you count on me to do my job, I also count on you to do yours.

Don't worry about it.

We have work to do.

Author's Note

I was trying to find a way to express how a tank (the guy who gets beat up so others can do their job in a gaming group) would feel. What kind of mindset does a person have to be good at this job? This is literally my first poem. If there's a better way to massage this into a better version, help me out!

Reviews

[Will Neill]

I think you did a good job with this Richard, I enjoyed it very much. There is no one way to write a poem, its better just to let it out as you think of it. To let another change it would mean it no longer belongs to you. Tweak it yes,,if its needs it, otherwise leave it as it is. good work.Will

[Jennie Baron]

Wow, Great effort for a first poem! I think you've conveyed the message in very clear and intelligent terms. You've also made good use of repetition for emphasis. A great tribute to fighting together for a common goal. I have no specific suggestions; this is great as is to me.