sympathy speared, crude pike
springs from the hearts of men on branded days
apathy-garnished spike
screams Red, before the strike
lives mourned by hollow wail
souls, torn from flesh, escape on raven’s wings
shed hope turns cold, turns pale
and staggers, doomed to fail
in depths of blood and bile
the heart of One stands true, stands brave and proud
bound in a life, so vile
bound for life, with bitter smile
“Once more into the fray
Into the last good fight I’ll ever know
Live and die on this day
Live and die on this day.”
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The last four lines were taken from the movie ‘The Grey‘ – thank you, Tracy, for reminding me – these words have been on my mind ever since I read them on your blog again.
Another Wandering Soul 
Miri, so much ‘soul’ in this piece. I adore the 2nd stanza. The word Fray itself is so haunting. Excellent – though I do not expect less in what you write.
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it is haunting, isn’t it… couldn’t get those lines out of my head – they truly sing.
thank you, Jen xx
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A beautiful poem. I like the complete poem. Closing lines were amazing.
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oh i love those lines – they are hauntingly beautiful. thank you, John!
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Ha, me too! I even managed to write a song with the words “into the fray” in it 🙂
Your poem is darkly dramatic – perfect for “the fray”.
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oooh so cool – did you upload it? and in case i missed it – link please? 🙂
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I can envision a bonfire in autumn surrounded by villagers, and a boom-voiced recitation of this poem, an ode to a fallen hero.
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this, Grapeling, made my day. i envisioned just that when i wrote this – thank you.
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