Fighting at Your Back

when she needed me

the sound of swords clashing

is all to familiar to my ears...

my sword hand itches with anxiety

as i alert my senses to prepare for battle,

i clench my shield with unmatched confidence

as i gaze into the eyes of my enemies---

the smell of blood

is in the air, so i know...

peace is no longer an option

i steady my anxious spirit

as to make quick, effective decisions

i swing my sword hand---

but to no affect

my shield is seemingly...

useless

i see my enemies,

i can see the intent behind their eyes

i watch the commitment

in their every move---

they strike swiftly, and repeatedly

and yet...

i remain unscathed,

i lower my shield

to widen my sight

and there i see you...

fighting

they have not come for me at all

you are their target

and this is your battle to fight

they have come with prepared tactics

surely, they want to make certain

defeat rests with you this day---

their focus is iron clad

their planning...

perfection--- almost

they miscalculated one thing...

me, no... us

they have come for you

but i stand ready with shield and sword---

i boldly shout a lion's roar

so you know i'm behind you,

ready to aid you at a moment's call

you just remember,

to keep your stance wide and strong

show them only your eyes,

trust your shield

keep your sword hand still

until you see fit to strike

and when you do...

be merciless, give nothing but the sharpness of your sword

keep pity absent from your heart---

forgiveness is only reserved for the victor

don't turn your eyes from them

until they have felt defeat's embrace at your boots

and should you tire of the battle,

rest easy on the front of my shield

and i will keep you standing...

should you become exhausted,

i will place my hand over yours

and guide your sword---

this may be your fight to win

but, as long as your enemies stand

i will give my all to you...

as i fight at your back

 

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Rita L. Sev]

This is the essence of love, of friendship - No greater love... This is a powerful piece, well constructed and clear in its meaning.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you so much for that wonderful review!

[Rogue]

-sigh-

You hit another nerve... I know someone like this. Whenever I needed him, he came. Still does, though it is not for battles anymore. Now it is about a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, an ear to listen and a heart that is always true.

This is a beautiful piece, Travis.. To me. I know these words. :)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Rogue I'm glad its another piece you can relate to. Our work seems to do that to the other. Its great to have someone to rely on during and after our battles in life.

[Frieda P]

Nice saga on this page, it's always good to have someone in your court, some who'll have your back when the enemy, (friends, family, foe) attack...I read this with a personal note, would have loved to have someone like you around. Nicely pen'd.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you, Frieda I'm glad you could relate to this piece. I appreciate the awesome review. Being there for someone dear to me comes easy, I have developed a hero complex due to my own struggles I've survived.

[Frieda P]

Well, good of you for whatever reason, and good read too, so my pleasure, wonder if I could find someone with a hero complex on Amazon or some such place. :-)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

lol he may be a little broken, check the returns at Walmart or somewhere... I'm sure someone returned him. haha

[Frieda P]

Lol they probably have em on special too ;-)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

lol yup, the heros are usually just as broken as those whom they save. The tragic tale of heroism.

[Frieda P]

So true, it's like one of those merry-go-rounds that makes you dizzy.

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Exactly. haha

[Sami Khalil]

So many good lines to quote in this epic write . It is a powerful one as the words...Well done...:)

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

Thank you my dear friend Sami, you are a master of words... your thoughts are beyond humbling.

[Sami Khalil]

My pleasure. The feelings are mutual...:)