Once More Into the Breech

Once more into the breach,
Splintered shield, remaining armor plate now dull and damaged,
Sword nicked, pommel forever carrying the blood of battles past.

I step again into the gauntlet,
Fortified by the echoes of the brigades gone before,
Would that my own charge be so noble as the six hundred.

I am older, now, and slower,
But I am wiser, so much wiser and determined,
Though metal be tarnished and muscle diminished,
I am fortified with precious knowledge of myself.

Oh, foe of old, tremble mightily,
My spirit is emboldened and my resolve undaunted,
Fearlessly, I stride with measured steps to the appointed front.

I am not alone in this charge, not this time,
The ranks and rows that join me, do so in heart, blood and steel,
But I take this first step first and enter the breach before all others.

This has ever been my battle,
I surge forward victorious before striking a single blow,
For this day, I return to battle with that most sacred knowledge,
That my victory was secured the day I decided to fight.

This is my St. Crispin's Day.