What Does it Mean to be a Warrior?

A Warrior fights (right?)

He bares his teeth and charges forth,

his power-call piercing his enemy’s heart.

Eyes widen in awe, in fear, in ferocity—

An opponent is struck immobile,

or else called to raise his own sword.

A young soldier answers in kind.

A battle ensues, honour raging

as righteousness fuels them on.

Each defends his own truth

and would die a hero

to prove his cause.

Hardness meets hardness,

panting with exertion.

Conflict peaks in a display of finest skill,

then collapses in exhaustion.

There has been no progress,

no advance of the line.

They meet each others’ eyes,

their bodies too tired to stand.

There is space for softness to enter.

Quiet openness flows in.

“Where did you come from?”

“What shaped your beliefs?”

“What are you seeking?”

“Are you protecting your family?”

Each thinks, Me too.

“Are we so different?”

“In some ways, yes.

In others no.”

Can we celebrate that?

Learn from each other?

Each asks his own heart,

and becomes a True Warrior —

Know thyself.

Greet the world with wisdom,

and questions,

Keep your fist by your side

for as long as you can.

Know thyself.

Heal until you have nothing left to defend

And know your strength

without needing to prove it.

Aggressive pride

gives way to tenderness.

Awareness births a deeper kind of strength

Two Warriors catch their breath,

regaining stamina.

One gets to his feet,

holds out his hand to help the other.