Chant of the War-Childe

September 2006

strap on the pistol belt...
(the children sleep)
seal the armor...
(they dream dreams of light)
slam a magazine home
(a whimper in the night)
slide the slide, chamber the first round.
(sleep easy children)
the edge of the knife renewed every day
(no wolves will get you this night)
gloves, fists, scarred hands flexing
(dream the dreams of light)
A warrior bathed in heaven's glow
(dancing, laughing, cheering)
cold air, vigilant hunter
(kissing, hugging, loving)
I gaze up at the Hunter
     give this warchild the strength
       to do what must be done
     give this hunter the wisdom
       to find and know the Enemy
(family gathering, a feast
friends fight and friends forgive
loves quarrel and lovers cherish)
My answer comes in the crisp breeze
     child of Ares, hunter in the night
     the strength and wisdom are always yours
     know that you are not alone
(children play on,
parents work and hope)
my boots crunch softly
as I fade into the night
(dream your dreams of light
laugh, love, cherish each other)
I know Death waits for all,
but my kind... it follows closely.

 

sleep children; love, laugh, and play
know joy and sorrow
relish the freedoms and feelings you have
do and feel all the things I wish I could.

 

...while I do what no one should have to.
(joy, sorrow)
fear and anger, terrible in the darkness
terror and rage will not prey on the innocent
not this night.
however terrible the darkness,
this warchild will not falter.
If Death brings me home this night,
then I know my task now belongs to another
If Death claims me, do not mourn.
I know the price and the risk.
I embrace it so that others do not have to.
If Death takes me to my next mission,
honor the cost that so many have paid.
Should you seek me out,
find a tall mountain, above the treeline.
I will be there, in the clarity, purity, and energy.
I will be there, in the cool breeze that refreshes and excites.
find the laughing child, who knows no fear.
Know that those who came and went before me
are behind them, sharing in their innocent joy.
And when another warchild stands between the darkness and innocence...
Know that we will always be there.
They will never be alone.