Just one thing; I really feel it would sound better if "the" was inserted right before battle. Or, you need to personify battle and capitalize it. I am for the former, as the 'th' sounds would add some very nice consonance to that final line.
Thank you Ahavati! A metamour of mine is a bladesmith, and if he is able to do it, and I am able to fund it, I may want to get a version of this dagger made someday.
I totally agree that the rhythm sounds better with the, but I can't change it. This is one where the muse grabbed me with a very specific message.
I want to be crystal clear: I always appreciate your advice, and will undoubtedly take it with other poems :)
p.s. - I suppose this is in conflict with my "honest critique" comments choice, but the options are limited and I almost always choose that one because I like the conversation to flow in the free-est way possible.
I did enjoy this read Kumar. It was as though Battle had a soul of it's own and she cared for nothing but it. This piece could be taken in so many ways...beautiful write! A dark pen, thank you.