Soldier
The history books tell us of a time when men were not bound by any formal law or code, instead the preservation of their sacred honor was the unwritten creed they lived by. This way of life was predicated on the notion that one must conduct himself in a manner befitting a proper, honorable man. With that understanding cemented in men’s minds, they were compelled to act in accordance with the principles that they held to be sacred and true. Principles like never allowing any man to take from you what is yours without a fight. Principles like leading by example and being slow to speak. This was the path toward living with honor.
Indeed it is a real tragedy that these high rights and practices are seen as lost by some and as a romantic fairytale by others. In recent times, if we pause to consider this brave history, we reflect with sadness and a profound longing that touches our souls. If we even pause for reflection at all these days, what with the glorious advent of myriad electronic devices, that render our memories’ and original thoughts all but obsolete. It is easy to long for days gone by, with an emptiness that is all too real. Perhaps there is a way to harken back to that way of life, if only in some small measure. Cursed by the spirit of eternal optimism, I would sooner climb on perilous cliffs, tempting death itself, before I would accept a dishonorable fate, and lie face down in the mud.
Having said that, it is entirely up to us both as individuals, and collectively, to bring these principles to the forefront of modern living. All one need do to make these principles live again, is to acknowledge the code of honor that has no end, that is timeless, and ever-present. To turn away from the code can only breed a sad, desperate and ultimately lifeless existence for us all. For those who have the courage to act boldly. For those with the conviction to press on with a new resolve. For those of us who will not be moved by the flame of passing fancy, I offer a new life enriched by the glory of eternal struggle. To raise the bar and to hold ourselves daily accountable to this high standard will not be easy. But then, we are accustomed to living absent any ease of existence, aren’t we?
I propose that we elevate our spiritual beings, by living with character and conviction. By staying the course when others cannot or will not, we plant our flag in the time’s violent terrain. By choosing to shoulder the weight when others refuse, while others bend and are broken, we are shouting to both the heights and the depths. We will not crawl. This way… This path we will take is the warrior’s road. Those that have doubt in their hearts need not walk this way. Those with less than honorable motives will be crushed by the weight of their own aspirations. Those who fail to heed the call or act dishonorably shall perish in the sea of desperation that is life without the code. The code is its own master There is but to heed the call or not to. What are you prepared to do?
