Brace and Parry.

I hear a train whistle in the distance.

Late night musings

Firming up my mind and spirit

I am like a centurion on the frontier

Where sensitivities are fatal

I see the bones of those who tried

And bear wounds myself

I must brace and parry

Brace and parry

Crying must be done on the inside

And the warrior will take control

Those at home depend on me

I cannot fail

Brace and parry

I have wielded the sword so long

Tenderness has been forgotten

I don’t remember what it is like

To brush the hair from a forehead

To calm a worried soul

Brace and parry

I must stay awake and be diligent

I cannot be a burden to anyone

Hold the standard

Brace and parry

The Rational Element