WARRIOR (July 4th meditation)

Fate has made me a warrior
Sworn to protect and defend
To never stop, never leave
Until the battle's end

For self, family, comrades,
Love of ideals, flag, and land
Destiny chooses time and place
For us to make a stand

The field dictates violence,
Killing, mercy, and forgiveness
In the cauldron of horror,
Endless night, a warrior’s business

A separate lifetime, always there
Time moves on in that other place
Sheltered from mayhem and strife
By the sacrifice of innocence

Initiated, consecrated, ready
Alert for danger to those I love
Unashamed, baptized, fit, and blameless
I sit and watch like those above.