To Protect and Defend

Listen to the sound that you hear within my voice,

Do you see me left with any other choice?

There was nothing wrong yet that was long before,

Then everything changed and made me something more.

When it is in darkness that you find you always dwell,

Then that is what you know and perfect so very well.

Please don’t try to bring me over to the lighter side,

The rift that now exists is just too great of a divide.

Shadows do not live very deep inside my heart,

My walls are only built when I notice problems start.

I hope for the best but I plan for the worst,

A trait that makes me strong while leaving me accursed.

Beauty is all I want to have within my view,

But it’s not usually what I eventually pursue.

Guardian and protector is the job I am appointed,

And through experience I’ve been tested and anointed.

I don't see myself as anyone that unique,

Yet I can’t stand by when harm comes upon the meek.

So a darker side of me I will then let show,

Those who lack my point of view think evil’s all I know.

Away I must retreat for a fight’s not my desire,

Still the duty to protect is my one identifier.

If you know how to shut down a heart that cares,

Teach me how to do it and lift the burden that this bares.

You knew who I was from the moment that we met,

There are some things that you know I can’t forget.

It has been my shield in many battles fought,

And at times my sword against the harm another sought.

If I still viewed all as innocent as before,

Then in my life I'd have no need to keep fighting this war.