" What It Takes To WIn "

"What?" Cried I when the master found the laces
To gather up the corset of bravery surrounding him.
Tethered tight til his eyes were all but popping from his head.
And me, with a smile ear to ear, to encourage his participation.
"Go 'way with thee" I said and I gave his hand a pat.
I wasn't concerned if he'd ever come back.
But I meant to give him the encouragement to finally save his grace
Even if it meant he'd retreat into the forest as a cadaver never found.
"Lost in the battle, the poor soul, so brave."
I'd say nothing to damage his dignity yet once alone I'd grin
In knowledge that I'd know his return would make the masses gasp.
He'd never be able to show his face as heraldry,
But I would know.
I would know just from the way he used his fork when taking a bite.
From the way his hand would clasp his heart.
You can't live with someone as long as I and breathe their air
And not pick up the little nuances of the day to day.
So let the army lead him away.

Away, away, to the mountains and forests
And far away to the ends of the earth
Go away and let me have my peace
Let another leader rise
After your demise
And you won't be able to come crawling home
Unless you win
And I don't believe you have what it takes to win

"Sober by six," I told the sander milling his mahogony
He didn't believe me when I said it,
But I told him it was true.
The dancing one off to fight the battle
Would come back one way or the other.
He might be alive.
He might be dead.
But he'd run for the familiar just the same.

Away, away, to the mountains and forests
And far away to the ends of the earth
Go away and let me have my peace
Let another leader rise
After your demise
And you won't be able to come crawling home
Unless you win
And I don't believe you have what it takes to win.

BJH
12/17/2005

__________________

Someone suggested that I should change the title to "Sober by Six." What does anyone think? I wasn't keen on the title I gave it. Does that one sound better?

__________________