I bleed when...

I can bleed red when the shining blade descends
Penetrating my core of being,
Tearing more than this weary fleece.

Though, tis not the only time when I bleed.

I bleed when I march past a hamlet
And see them churls crooning with a lyre
Or see smoke spiraling from a homely fire.

I bleed when I see a virgin wife
Delicate as daisy and as lily pure
Bearing much more than she can endure-

To have her beloved across mountains and seas
If he be breathing, she couldn’t be sure,
And she jostles with all visions obscure.

I bleed when some hoary ailing elder
Breathes his last with eyes opened wide
As if beholding his lad sitting by his side.

I bleed when I remember Hector
Bidding farewell to his wife and babe
Going to meet his foe, he couldn’t escape.

I see the little boy with fear written all over his face
Not knowing Achilles yet, tis his father that he dreads.


So, I bleed red when the shining blade descends
Though, tis not the only time when I bleed.