battleground

i stand on the battleground
the place where inner collides with outer
where past and present clash
to bring about the future

turmoil all around and doubt is coursing
while i stand
rage, tears and confusion
yet i stand
as ready as i'll ever be
know i'll stand
in the face of it all - the enormity
still i stand

this is the field of battle
where barbs are slung forth and challenges issued
where purpose is true as a steeled blade
intent, primal and vicious
chances are few and must be taken
choice is but one and can't be forsaken

the course is set
grim-faced and sullen
for death to take, that new life will waken
blades are bared
glint-eyed and thirsty
the time is nigh, the earth is quaking
these fingers tremble
as much for fear as for anticipation
elation, despair, the breaking from stagnation
it begs the question, now as ever, the consummation
will it be survival or damnation?

this is the battlefield
the face-off, fragmented time
commands and cuss words strew the ground
as much as bodies, broken hopes and grime
a fraction of a moment, so charged and so explosive
yet, but a moment; so tragic and involving
the rush of blood, the grimaced visage
the face contorted, the pained looks, the image
of barren wastelands, of promise dispatched
of teary eyes, of fright, of impact

this is the time of amputation
of desperate choice, of cruel decision
of sacrifice to save the many
the innocent, the weary, if left are any
this is the time of hardship, the time of rage and please forgive me
the violent labor, the painful birthing of new destiny
of sacrifice to save the many
the innocent, the pure, if left are any