It was my first time going out to war
women had never fought in battle before
It was not permitted by the men in the tribe
I was expected to cower, and the shadows hide
My heart was pounding in secret I rode
My long hair tucked away in the cap I sewed
The armor I wore was some I had found
The shield was too heavy and the sword drug the ground
I knew that this armor was not made for me
It was made for a man that’s plain to see
But my heart had heard clearly, God’s called me here
To fight with my brothers, to fight without fear
Why did they not need me? I know I have worth
We share the same enemy who wanders this earth
For centuries past the men charged the field
On holy white stallions till the enemy yielded
I heard of the stories of great mighty men
Who vanquished their foes time and again
I longed to join them and fight this good fight
And today is that day! I won’t rest tonight!
As the sun rose, in the distance I saw
The enemy mounted not ready to fall
We formed our ranks my squad in the lead
Concealing my gender on top of my steed
We fell into formation awaiting command
The general stepped forward and raised up his hand
Quiet soon fell like the mist of the morn
Except for one soldier blowing a ram’s horn
And then without notice the general looked at me
His eyes were like fire on a glassy sea
He shifted his stance and headed my way
His looked pierced my soul, I had nothing to say
He reached out his hand and removed my hood
Caught red-handed and exposed i stood
He yelled for the captain and the captain came near
In his commanding voice “We have problem here”
This soldier is not fit to ride in my clan
Her armor’s too big; it’s made for a man
I thought it was over and back home I would go
But the general then smiled, what did he know?
From out of his scabbard he brandished his sword
As he placed it in my hands he whispered these words
“I am honored to have you fight by my side
When your the daughter of the King, there’s no place you can hide
He said you might come because you heard his request
So I fashioned some armor that will fit you the best
At your ready...the troops will proceed
And charge into battle as you fearlessly lead”
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A father and husband with a pastor's heart and poet's voice
Bob Blankenship