Warriors

There’s a name for those who protect us,

strong forces who stand up to adversity,

who fight for our right to be dissatisfied.

Their strong arm of protection covers us,

like skin that forms on a half-empty cup;

like chainmail armor covering a medieval knight,

preventing harm, safeguarding our nation, our citizens.

Those soldiers who stand long, lonely nights

as guards, who rush into battles that are not

their own, dovetailed into the mash and flash of bombs

bursting, stitched into the fabric of society.

Defenders of justice, of the American Way, despite

the dangers faced, the weary-to-the-bone watchfulness

and yes, those seconds of pleasure

stolen from constant combat.

There’s a name for the stalwart service of those

who heal and fix the sick and dying, who deny

themselves to serve those in need,

who put themselves in harm’s way

to stay the harm for others.

The constant connecting with community

fighting the fires, fighting crime, protecting,

and serving amid shame and blame. Despite

political revolutions, continued care soldiering

on and on.

There’s a designation for those heroes who

continue to lay down their life for others.

It may be June or James, Alice or Alvin,

It may be Mother or Aunt, Uncle or Brother,

not celebrity or dignitary, yet held in esteem

above those, in every respect. Brave champions—

men and women of courage, whose lion hearts

roar for our freedom and safety.

~ By Annette Gagliardi

“The strength of a warrior is not defined by the wars he wins; but the times he seeks for peace.” ~  Aniket S Sharma, CHAKRAVYUH – Through the Eyes of the Young Warrior

My gratitude and thanks to all those who serve in the armed forces to defend our country and protect its citizens. I appreciate that we take for granted so much of our freedom, so many things we do not know we have because of our freedom.

Thank you to all my relatives, friends, neighbors for your service. Thanks to those of you who I don’t know yet are willing to place yourself in harms way to keep me free.

“The Warrior fights before he’s taught how. He just fights, and if you hit him he steps forwards towards you” ~ Karl Wiggins, Wrong Planet – Searching for your Tribe

I also applaud and appreciate the newly named warriors: fire fighters, police officers, hospital personnel, nursing home personnel, and those essential workers who continue their jobs despite the threat of COVID.

My deepest respect and appreciation for you all.