So Far, So Good

It’s an actual ordeal. 

That’s not what they used to call

The process by which a person became a warrior, skilled in the use of arms. 

They called it running the gauntlet. 

Now we are all in the new Dark Ages. 

I think we should update the terms. 

Every day is a trial by combat. 

You undergo an ordeal, designed to test

The skills you have developed

throughout the days with no rest.

Which have successfully seen you through

the maze - so far

and kept you relatively safe from harm.

Under the helmet and the armour

Are the human body and the heart

But we cannot over protect or pad them

Or they won’t be strong enough

To ensure what they must.

Best to build ourselves up with a minimum of

defensive clothing.

Ask only the right questions.

Embrace each affront as a call to action.

Smile, with insouciance

Take the gloves off.

Bio

Devika Brendon is a writer of poetry and short stories. She is currently working on 3 long form prose novellas. Devika is also a teacher, editor and reviewer of English literature. Her work has been widely published in both print and digital media.