Dissonance Within

Now there's nothing but this blade All my time left I'll dedicate To master the Way of the Sword I vow to live under its law I serve virtue, no other lord Not two, but only one way Since the day I have reborn I rely on the Art of War As a means to train the mind I must beware of too much pride And be aware of my weak sides A high goal is a two-edged sword Time to fight, no backing down For I will have no rest until my skill prevails Disembodied, a whistling sound The singing of my blade ravages the plain Back to a state of mindfulness Crows have a feast of ronin's flesh Through weary eyes clouded by blood I'm sobering up I feel split and out of tune My spirit unable to rule Did I outwardly succeed To suffer an inner defeat? Here I am, brittle and tense Still on guard against myself At the edge of a breaking down I need to find a subtle tone A keen balance to daily hone Between firmness and leeway to move Two swords combined Hostile and bare One smeared with blood and the other unstained Two streaks of light Flashing in the air Back and forth, like pine needles joined in a cruel carnage I feel split and out of tune My spirit unable to rule Did I outwardly succeed To suffer an inner defeat? Winding path to self-control Brushing up against my goal The True Way remains unrevealed How to connect intent and deeds

Submitted by Lake of Tears — Feb 07, 2026