Tuesday, August 24, 2010

The Paladin

Not something the sane would seek
The cost of this is dear
To stand resolved, defend the weak
When others turn with fear


You will not find some grand reward
In fact you'll lose much more
Just know my friend the road is hard
And heartbreak lies in store


Sometimes your loves will turn away
At times it's you who'll leave
Alone to guard the night and day
No respite no reprieve


For still you know it's out there
A dark foreboding hand
The pestilence you see and hear
Defiles and chokes the land


So set your jaw like stone
Shout out your battle cry
Steel my friend both blood and bone
Lest innocents should die


Hold high the sword of righteousness
And sound the battle horn
Advance the charge do not digress
Honor the oath you've sworn


For the Light Eternal!
For kingdom yet to come!
For love of God, for one and all
Until the battles won.


Not something that the sane would seek
And still you ride again
Uphold the law, protect the meek
Make ready Paladin


I am very lucky that I work with law enforcement agencies.  I have met, through work, some of the most honorable and noble men an women in the world.  True Paladins, willing to put their lives on the line to maintain order in our towns and cities.  While there is no doubt the badge is not a perfect gauge of character it does speak to the courage and commitment that not everyone possesses.  It is for those who not only wear the badge on their uniforms but also in their hearts that I wrote this.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

LET ME DEFINE










You offer your opinions
You may even lend a hand
You can choose to walk away
Or simply understand

That when it comes to me
My path, my course, my dreams
For good or ill the choice is mine
I’ll deal with its extremes

I have to do the driving
Along the narrow slope
I have to make my choices
Embrace them and then cope

I do not wish you hardship
In fact I wish you well
That we could live in harmony
I know in time we will

You offer your opinions
Now I shall offer mine
When it comes to my life
I say let me define
 
 
It seems today we have an over abundance of people who need to direct traffic.  It is well that we have opinions and that we try to educate each other in morality and ethics.  It is good that we be accountable for the repercussions of our actions.  But we should not presume to hold ultimate authority on how people live their lives.  It is not just an issue of tolerance because that presumes too much; it is simple respect for the rights of the individual.