Sword or shield

It's the same old situation you already know
You're on your knees, facing down a foe
You'll need some help to make it through this day
So you put your hands together and pray

But when you pray, do you pray for a sword, or for a shield?
For the strength to strike, or the fortitude to not yield?
Now, maybe it's machismo or maybe it's something more
But, for me, I feel I've strength enough inside my core

I don't want any more power at my command
But I would not turn down a greater ability to withstand
For an extra shelter from a hard day's rain
Or some balm to soothe away some pain

But more than that, I don't wish to strike another down
For current rivals in a conflict-filled town
It could be ego or folly, but something I do believe true
Is to never use force beyond which I absolutely have to

And I am filled with fear and awe for the power above
That I cannot wish for such a sword with love
Instead I'll pray for a shield in spite of it all
A second chance that stops my falter becoming my fall

Together or Alone

You may have that courage to go it alone
To fight well your solo quest
Go ahead young hero, claim your throne
I wish you naught but the best

But do not feel you lack in heart
If you need others on your path
If you wish friends to take part
To lend you aid or make you laugh

We are all merely finding our way
With broken compasses and misty trails
Different tolls we all must pay
With simple truths and fantastic tails

Whether or not your ride is solitary
I still hope, when you take respite
You would share your story with me
And are honest about any fight

Choose kindness

Where possible, choose kindness
And then double check your working
It's easy to miss, in rush and mess
And apathy is always lurking

Often, we think too much of ego
We're scared of what the world will see
Too fearful of judgement and woe
Not enough belief in what-could-be

So, lean back, think and breath deep
Consider all the actions you could take
Think about the barriers you keep
Some might stand strong, but others break

There are times when we take another road
Money, time, or danger all stand in our way
But do consider, from this little ode
If you can choose to a kinder route today

Sowing Seeds

I would love for my life to send ripples through time
Such that people remember my name
Who wouldn't want to leave an impact on life
And achieve everlasting fame?

But, nowadays, I think a little less of that
About if the future will remember me
Much more I just try to make the best of today
To improve that which I can hear and see

History will not record me doing small charity works
Or giving my friend an encouraging smile
So if my legacy was all I cared about
Then these actions wouldn't be worthwhile

When I was younger I wished to be remembered
By people whose names I will never know
Now I care more for spreading sunlight around me
Than in finding my own seeds to sow