no medal

Win or lose
there will be
no call of 'hero'
no medal proffered,
no share of glory,
no victor,
just you.

None but you
will know the truth
of darkness fought
nor the haunting
of each battlescar's
torment.

None will see
the slow stumble
of ascent from
that struggle
as each fresh dawning
nurtures your will
to overcome.

Few will be those
who truly know
and treasure
the welcoming warmth
of each new dawn's light
as you do.