Warrior Song

Dance with me!
I am young and laugh freely.
I long for strength and courage.

Let us clash, caress,
sharpen and clarify ourselves,
one against the other,
one with the other.

Come! Dash headlong into my charge
for I mark you as my adversary
to increase myself against you,
rising to meet your challenge.

In opposition, to become more aware of you
the nerve, the flinch, the flex of you.

I shall measure myself
against the length and breadth of you,
beside the strength and wit of you.

To the winner the precious spoils,
all steadfastness to the victor
in loyalty and good cheer.

Let crimson mouths sing
broadly into the firelight
of our fierce combat,
lusty and bright.