The Battle Within

"Realization is a funny thing. Sometimes it can lift you up to the highest heights... And other times it will beyond repair tear you apart."

My armor isn't chipped.
My shield isn't broken.
My sword isn't even out of
the scabbard.
Yet I stand here, and as I
look down I realize that
I'm bleeding, wounded.
Cursing myself,
I realize that there wasn't
even a battle.
I just put down my shield,
took off my armor,
and bared my chest for the
fatal blow.
At least those who die in battle
die valiantly,
fighting for their lives.
I'm going to die
the death of the coward,
the death of the traitor,
the death of the weak.
Don't put me in a soldier's grave
when I'm finally gone.
Bury me unmarked.
Because I haven't done anything
but shame the banner
that I swore to.

vanessa ((