Yet this Knight, Bravely Standing
While Passing by the Blood and Gore
Did While Upon, Old Bones Standing
A Tear did Shed, There by That Door.
“Further, Further; continue advancing”
Even as comrades drop to the floor
More Tears shed, but Still Advancing
Toward the Dragon, and the Door.
Furtive shouts, softly spoken
as we move into hell yet once more.
At the Dragon, losing armor
First the helm and then some more
Wrestle us with unsound opinion
Striving to beat upon that door
“Once more give try... the door is broken”
Pressing lightly to go before.
Some still fall but others hearken
“Through the door and on,” implore.
Again engaged, by battle weakened
Victory slowly in our grasp.
When finally comes end battle treat’n
To see our victory come at last...
All the other girls, and I, give whispers...
of our thanks...
to the Goddess... forevermore
at last.
T D Aldoennetti
(Cambodia - 1968)