Unanswered Question

Posted by Brad Osborne on December 7, 2019 · 8 Comments 

 

 

There is a certain bravado

Some would say undeniable

Like a mastery of the show

A set of skills reliable

 

The conflict I try to avoid

Is not shirked out of any fear

It is reservation employed

To keep harm’s way from coming near

 

For I have been battle tested

In desert and jungle warfare

A chest full of medals crested

A knowing and steely hard stare

 

Unlike some I do not wonder

If in fray I have what it takes

I’ve rushed the gunfire and thunder

Other brother’s lives in the stakes

 

I have felt the wasp sting of bullets

And savagery of hand-to-hand

It is one of my few regrets

Taking life from another man

 

In that moment answered question

Staring into his lifeless eyes

Myself seen in the reflection

An inner truth immortalized

 

Greater measure never needed

Knowing what I am capable of

Your good prudence should be heeded

If it is me you stand above

 

If your question still burns inside

Do not use me as your measure

Outcome will only hurt your pride

And won’t bring me any pleasure

 

But if just now your answer pressed

And my graciousness manly spurned

I promise you a painful test

Given until life lesson learned

 

I prefer that you leave me be

I have no unanswered question

My kindness is not fear you see

It is for your own protection

 

 

 

 

Filed under Poetry · Tagged with ability, answered question, confidence, gracious, kindness, measured, no fear, poem, Poetry, proven, skills, strength, strict form poetry, tested