The Good Fight

We have used up all our inherited freedom, like the young bird the albumen in the egg. It is not an era of repose. If we would save our lives, we must fight for them. - Thoreau

Oscillating like a summer fan.

A first-one-in, last-one-out man.

Two steps forward and one back.

A sort of sneak attack.

Up and down like a bungee cord.

Rusty helmet, dusty shield and trusty sword.

Forever marching forward.

With the prestige of a fallen angel.

Aquaintance of Doubting Thomas and the Rock of Gibralter.

Delicate and precious as baby's breath.

Perchance at Heaven's feast or Hell's famine.

From the peak of Everest to the depths of the Dead Sea and Jacob's well.

Just around the next corner or to infinity and back.

Such was the measure of his faith and ...

... the nature of life ...

Author's Note

"All endeavor calls for the ability to tramp the last mile, shape the last plan, endure the last hours toil. The fight to the finish spirit is the one... characteristic we must posses if we are to face the future as finishers." - Thoreau

Reviews

[R.E. Ray]

Pete, whether a soldier, Marine, sailor, airman or civilian, this is the portrait of a warrior. It’s not a physical make-up. It’s mindset. A warrior fights with whatever is within reach (rusty sworn, stones or bare hands). He/she sees opportunity in disaster and hope even face down in the dirt. That’s what I read here. I see these people in my profession and many other places (children in hospital cancer units, senior citizens in nursing homes, and veterans who come home with no legs). An exceptional poem, sir.

[Pete]

yes - i love your synopsis. the true measure of character is how we respond in adversity - when the going gets tough and the odds are against us. true strength is the ability to overcome the odds and keep fighting no matter - then we have victory regardless because we fought "the good fight" and that's all the matters.. thank you r.e.
happy new year! ... :)