She strives
Tested, time and again.
Blood spilled just as readily as
her own tears.
A woman. Just a woman? Never.
A warrior,
A leader with a heart laid bare
A protector…
keen of mind,
going in
with innate skills
As death places its deal
upon her table and
she answers back
in kind.
For she was forged in a lifetime
of sacrifice.
Do you hear that?
A soft whisk,
a honing of a blade to
a sharpness like none
other.
Delicate, determined, Beautiful.
Yet, who holds those warrior hands
As the light dims on her day?
Who holds her heart?
and brushes
her tears her away?
Stay strong.
Stay strong Warrior Chi.
by Philip Wardlow 2016