Swordsman’s Prayer Poem by Nathan Vigil

Dear Lord,

Measure not my courage by the danger before me, not by victory, conflict or defeat.
Though others may falter and shrink from the task I shall lift myself up, and into action.
Let this be the voice of our courage, for though my soul may be frightened, my sword remains undaunted.
I need no paths set clear before me, nor trail blazed wide to lend me ease.
My purpose burns within my mind, and I know my duty well.
If any will walk the way with me, let them know first my determination.
For my sword, by then, will have cut the pathway clear, for them to follow or for another.
Though my sword may lie in silence, amid the dust of shallow graves, I will have served a greater good, and to it given all; in this I find my peace.
Heavy is the quiet of men too timid; its weight is as a millstone.
Noble is the sound that shatters the silence and cries defiant.
For those who cannot stand, I stand, in the name of those now silence, I shout.
Coin and coffer cannot alter the right and wrong of things.
I who stand, do so in faith, one for another.
When you call, I am ready; my sword to your service.
I am your hero, your brave, your strong.
When you call, I will hear you and be it known, I will answer.

Amen.