Battle Ready

I awake fresh in the dawn, after a fitful dream.
I rise to morning and make ready... the battle is today.
It looms in the sunlit sky.

I kneel and don my soft leather boots,
they remind me of my heart...
I have to harden it now... i have to be ready
the battle is today.

I lace tight my breeches of dark green...
they remind me of summer grass...
A time when I relished memories,
but there is no more time for that... i have to be ready
the battle is today.

I slide my tunic down over my shoulders,
it wraps around me the way his arms once did...
but now I am all that holds me together...and i have to be ready
the battle is today.

I hang my sashes from my belt, and fasten it at my hip
they remind me of my link to family
and identify me when I lay still and silent in death
there will be no doubt where my loyalties lie...I am ready
for the battle today.

I fasten the straps of my bracers, taught at my wrists
they protect the soft flesh of my arm
and remind me that I am vulnerable...but I will be ready
the battle is today.

I close the clasps of my chain around my neck
it reminds me that I am strong, unbreakable
it tells me I am ready....
for the battle today.

I paint the heavy marks of war onto the lines of my face
they cover the tear stains,.. so no one doubts that I am ready
the battle is today.

I gather up the shield of my brother,
it protects me from glancing blows
it is my wall to hide behind,if only there was one for life
but the battle is today.

I stap my swords to my hip,
they are an extension of my anger, my fire
those who feel my wrath will know...I am ready,
that I have been ready
I have fought this battle longer than most
and I end it today.