The Ancient Warrior Poem by Paul Murdoch

Lie still, ye bracken-covered giants, that sleep below the soil,
You patient, silent warriors; lie still and wait a while.
Ignore the prickles on your hide and wait beneath the stars.
Till days grow long and man subsides, you’ll never journey far.

The parasites that scratch and dig and burrow in your skin
Will soon fall off and perish, consumed by fires within.
Tis then you’ll shed your mantle and crack the hallowed rock,
Released, at last, to fight and die; no beast will stand the shock.

Remember, in that instant; in death’s unfair embrace
How you once fought and won, my friend, then left without a trace.
Remember as you fade away, a new life will begin.
Remember, as you turn to dust and ride on solar winds;

That you will gather, one more time, to fight another day.
A billion trillion miles for here, you’ll rise and creep and sway;
And as you cool and turn to stone beneath some distant sun
Lie still and rest another age; a new world has begun.

Let creatures walk and scramble; they’ll scratch and dig and bore.
Lie still my ancient warrior, and take your rest once more.