I haven’t a simple out, this anxiety,

this setting,

a state of mind, soul-searching trauma

is our path

some diplomatic lunacy.

In truth

it hasn’t ever settled,

a decades long journey filled with

angst and trepidation.

Now when facing a greater

challenge

his body natural

will wish he curling into small

would be fetal posture.

For shields are down,

spears and spirits

would that life have meaning

beyond the edginess of a

double-edged sword.

Carry on good soldier

sadly never wore the stripes.