Before Battle

Artwork: Judith and Holofernes - Keith Thompson, date unknown

i prepare
myself
for
battle;
i gird
myself
for
war...

i put my
sword
to hand;
it is sharp,
and keen,
and my arm
is strong.

i set my
eyes
on the
prize:
my heart,
my soul -
they both
need
saving.

feel my
anger,
let my
fury
burn:

let me hack
at the
heads
of my mortal
foes -

self-loathing,
fear and dread,
insecurity -

fall dead
at my
feet!

no mercy
for the
fallen;
with my
blade -

of truth,
of passion,
determination,
acceptance -

they will lie
bleeding
before me.

they enslaved
me
once;
it shall
never
happen
ever
again.