Dissonance Within

Now there’s nothing but this blade
All my time left I’ll dedicate
To master the Way of the Sword

I vow to live under its law
I serve virtue, no other lord
Not two, but only one way

Since the day I have reborn
I rely on the Art of War
As a means to train the mind

I must beware of too much pride
And be aware of my weak sides
A high goal is a two-edged sword

Time to fight, no backing down
For I will have no rest until my skill prevails
Disembodied, a whistling sound
The singing of my blade ravages the plain

Back to a state of mindfulness
Crows have a feast of ronin’s flesh
Through weary eyes clouded by blood
I’m sobering up

I feel split and out of tune
My spirit unable to rule
Did I outwardly succeed
To suffer an inner defeat?

Here I am, brittle and tense
Still on guard against myself
At the edge of a breaking down

I need to find a subtle tone
A keen balance to daily hone
Between firmness and leeway to move

Two swords combined
Hostile and bare
One smeared with blood and the other unstained

Two streaks of light
Flashing in the air
Back and forth, like pine needles joined in a cruel carnage

I feel split and out of tune
My spirit unable to rule
Did I outwardly succeed
To suffer an inner defeat?

Winding path to self-control
Brushing up against my goal
The True Way remains unrevealed
How to connect intent and deeds