no medal

It's not something
you see coming
as one day
along comes a fight
no fisticuffs, no guns,
but nonetheless
one in which
you have no choice
but to face up to.
.
.
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.
.
.
Maybe they call it
strength and enduring spirit.