sparring gone too far.

let us build a practicefield

you and i together

and i will take the face of the foe

and you of the other

let us with our leaden swords swing

heavily and without grace

learning to bruise before

we dare to break the skin

i am not yours

and you are not mine

but let us spar here

for this coming time

when i will turn to another call

and beat a new pathway

leaving you do the same

free at last and done

with this sand and tent

these blunted blades

the bruises and wounds that we disregard

let us come together

one last time and then again

to batter with our clumsy arms

to do each other harm

not that we care

but rather because we don't

and so we swing with a spirit

cracking the leather armour

dulling our weary eyes

till we without qualm

may strike

with all our swinging strength

driving the point deep

and leaving the sand wet

my friend,

i am sorry.