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