When a Warrior Falls

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Plato

 “That which does not destroy, strengthens.” Nietzsche

A peek into the history books will undoubtedly show that many legendary warriors such as Leonidas of Sparta, Genghis Khan, William Wallace, Hannibal Barca, Alexander the Great, Napoleon and countless others share a similar attribute.  Some may argue that timing was on their side; still others may argue that the twisted hand of fate had a bigger stake in their countless victorious destinies.  Still I would have to argue that there was something else at work – it was their respective ability to face adversity and rise to fight again.  They were resilient. 

Who among us doesn’t know those who have had more than their share of upsets, tragedies and shattered dreams?  Not many, if any, of us have escaped a life peppered with such disappointments and setbacks from time to time.  No one ever promised life to be easy.  For some though, it seems as if the storm obliterated the life they fought so hard to build.  Yet for some unfathomable explanation, these tortured souls rise again and trudge forward much to the surprise of those around them.  They overcome economic uncertainty, endure setbacks thrust upon them by others, are forced to vanquish past demons and foes, plan for futures entrenched in ambiguity, and they do so often forced to carefully conceal what is the most noble part of their being – their hearts.  In its bruised and battered condition lies the genius of their unyielding power.    

When a warrior falls, she is not down for long.  To those with a discerning eye, they will see that she gets up and faces the seemingly relentless battle yet another day.  For her rebounding strength was not her birthright, rather her spirit is by nature tender and kind.  Fate determined her lot and labors.  Frightened, weary, and shaken from another disappointing setback, she pulls the torn cloak tightly around herself to shield her bloodied knees and the tattered remnants of her heart.  She clenches her fists, shakes them at the heavens and laughs at the Fates, shouting through her silent sobs,

“I AM HERCULES.”