#216 The Arena

"You must enter the arena my child"

Said the father who had survived it all

Survived the feral without becoming wild

And stood at the end, proud and tall

"Only those tested ever get their name in a book"

He said with great aplomb and pride

Forgetting exactly how his legs fiercely shook

Before history was on his side

"It made me who I am today"

Said the man who was able-bodied and sane

Forgetting those with a greater price to pay

The cost for such a gain

"You shall look back fondly too"

If you're able to look back at all on this time

For each shoulder on which you stand

One has been crippled and one forced to crime

"I promise if - you win you live on in eternity"

But what about those with a weaker demeanour?

No one can promise with certainty

So get both sides before you enter the arena.

***

https://harryisapoet.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-arena.html