My Angels in Battle

Just before battle, I wander into the dim lit gymnasium.

Shadows racing from the most minuscule light; picking up a game of basketball in the dark. While hoops meet with ceiling, stepping aside for the mat saturate floors.

The prolific calm before the storm stimulates anxieties created by peaceful silence.

I step on the mat, inspecting the soft battlefield, as if the consistency mattered. There are no other options.

Going through pre-battle routines, while we are still alive. Only to break the monotony of anxiety’s stillness. We pace, we wander with nowhere to go.

Our destination has been predetermined.

War, on the soft ground I want to take a nap on; only to turn my head off.

Wondering if I will survive. Death is more merciful than consequence of failure.

Then in a flash, silence of darkness muted by flickering light, as gym lights stretch from their long nap to oversee the madness that will soon begin.

Spectators herded in. racing to acquire the best seats in the house while looking for familiar faces.

It is then that I see two angels sitting on the top bleacher.

One with a shimmer of light reflecting from her halo of pride, as she prepares their resting place to view the warrior representing their name.

Their spirit.

Their love.

The other with a shimmer of light reflecting from a steel thermos conveying smooth caffeine nectar that will get most through a long day and the degree of emotions delivered.

I look up and feel power generating in me, as my mood calms knowing my angels are present.

Pride is the payment I want to offer for all that I am and all that they are.

I exhale, “everything is going to be ok.”

I am ready now. Live or die, my performance will represent my gratitude for love and sacrifice received.

As the tide on the gym floor sweeps with fans taking their seats, among a sea of tribal colors, the storm has picked up, and the gymnasium has left the venue; only to be replaced by a blood stained colosseum, with memories of previous battles scarred on the concrete walls.

The moment has awoken; with vision quest is in the air, and a commanding voice heard aloud for all to take their place.

Like trumpets before battle; a warning to warm up and prepare to fight.

Prepare to win.

Prepare to die.