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here come the arrows
here come the darts
here come the wounds
to find their fated marks

here come the blows
here comes the weight
here comes the fear
to try and dissipate

the strength you are
the power you store
the vigor you hold
forevermore

and they shall not win –
they’ll not prevail –
don’t gaze at the hoist
of their treacherous sail

for shields are made
and armor is worn
to thicken the skin
and sturdy the form

you’ve been made true
you’re fortified with toil
you’re embalmed in word
and anointed with oil

and all the spears and tears and the endurance of ugly years
will not break you today,

not under me –
not thus gloved –
for I shelter in metal
my heart and beloved.

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