Life and Death

I sheathe my sword and smile—victorious grin!—

But even through the sun a cloud looms

And I know my greatest victory is my greatest loss

A worthy foe, a fair fight

But a bloody cross is all that will keep the memory

Of my greatest opponent

How can this be right? How can this be fair?

How can I sit here and see the beauty that once was

Made into nothing more than another patch of grass

Another bard’s empty ballad?

I know the truth.

I did not vanquish. I nearly fell.

I fought not for honor, not to become a hero.

I fought to defend.

Now I have been made into what I am not.

Now my story will be told.

Now it will be twisted.

Now I am nothing more than a child’s tale—

Now I am a vain hero fighting for nothing.

But you know that isn’t true.

I fought only, ever for you.

When my enemy fell I could see your smile

And I knew—I was coming home!

Home to see your face and hold you once again—

The only place I have ever missed through all my ordeals.

That is why I smile. That is why I count death as life.

You are the life that I return to when my enemy is dead.