Incertitude

This sounds familiar.  Pushing oneself past one's own perceived known limitations to achieve.  But as we reach a higher plane of skill, more is expected of us as we start to question why we suffer for ourselves or others when there is no obvious incentive but we do so anyway, suffering painful dings along the way.  Then, when all is said and done...we do it again.

Does it make us masochistic gluttons for pain?  Echos in my mind: no defeat, no surrender yet the spirit screams stop! Thank you its nice to know I am not the only Don Quixote fighting windmills.

Red

When the Zombie Apocalypse occurs...we are the 3% that others are drawn to for advice, leadership and experience.  We are different because we heed the calling.  We are the Sheepdogs.

"The wolves will prey upon the sheep and the sheep will flee and run.  Although they have feared the sheepdog in the past, the sheep will line behind us for our protection."

We aren't Don Quixote's.  Our threats aren't imaginary.  They're real.  You and I both know that.  Most sheep see the threats on the news and are in denial.  We are tragic silent heroes.  The Last of the Hemingway Code Heroes.

You my friend are absolutely correct and I love the sheepdog analogy very apropos. "We the tragic silent heroes" yes, silent and in waiting for the next call to arms or fight in our own tragic lives. If the world ever truly knew the price we pay for being the way we are they would think twice about their foolhardiness.

Red  

But we are always scrutinized and criticized for our actions and past actions when sometimes split second decisions are made due to the information/intelligence that we are given which is sometimes faulty.  Hell, just look at the reasons why we went into Iraq the second time around.  Prime example.
   
The people are fickle and generally ignorant.  They don't know what they fuckin' want.  They never did.  They think they know but it's merely a mirage they set up for themselves.  They just want that Norman Rockwell, Peace on Earth blah-blah.  They have really no idea how it's truly achieved nor do they care.  They just want it.  
   
I wonder in today's American psyche how they would handle a modern D-Day scenario?  If they read or saw on the news that 4k troops were killed in one day at one place, how would they react?  Then a total of 15k casualties within that place in one week?  
   
With the weapons we field today, it can easily reach that number; even more so.  They have no clue.  Just grassmunchers...the last generation to really know that pain were the WWII generation.  
 
When we think of Service I think of serving the whole for the better by sacrifice...  
 
Most Americans' version of service is themselves at the buffet line.  
 
It's old but still holds value;
 
 
http://www.gleamingedge.com/mirrors/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html

It boils down to a few simple yet powerful words that only a few truly understand: Honer, Duty, inner strength, selfless courage and sacrifice.

In the face of all the condemnation I have received, I stand steadfast in the knowledge that I am not so alone, as long as there is another who understands how I feel.

Red  

So much depth and feeling here dear gypsy, I feel you my friend.  Wonderful piece.

Thank you my dearest bleeding out the wound so it can heal.

Red

 incredible poem Red
releasing is so healing


Love the final stanza,
leaving a candle lit girl and sending peace your way.


nicely penned

Much love
G

Thank you sweet G trying to exorcise the demons.

red

Such a spirit...admirable write too. As usual your eloquence moves, dear Gypsy Red.

Hello dearest Grace thank you for stopping by to my humble piece so glad to see you.

Red

I always love your poems, My dear.

Thanks sugar :-)

You are not alone Gypsy.

Nice write.

Strider....

WE are not alone... Thanks mi hermano :-)


Red

Always Fight the good fights, no matter how taxing
Such a wonderful "true Grit" read!!!

Thank you "true grit" haven't heard that in a while I will try to fight the good fight for as long as I can.

Red

Miss Red... it's me Winter.. you know I have a candle and a night light waiting for you... All in due time things will def get better Red so long as you keep getting back up.. thanks for sharing.

Hey sweet Winter good to see here welcome to DUP
Thanks for stopping and commenting my piece

Bigg hugg
Red

"I will continue to fight"

Keep kicking ass Red!!!! Enjoyed babe.. I'm back and I will be fighting beside you!

Doc. Thanks for being a friend you are the coolest sailor boy.

Red

A powerful poem, Gypsy, and one that makes a person think on the nature of inner strength and the ability to overcome the odds in life! Things I find myself thinking about quite often. Brilliantly penned poem, my friend! :)

Thank you so much Jess for that wonderful comment.

Red

A rich poem. Potent. Thoughtful. Strong. Moving. I love it.

Thank you Mr.D this piece is very personal and where I am in life right now. Glad you have found my work to your liking.


Red