The firmness in your stance is wavering 
Breathe 
You’ve faced this monster before
Last time it won
You rolled over, bared your belly 
let it shred you 
The wounds still throb 
But you are back 
Hands are shaking
Frustrated tears are threatening to spill
Straighten your spine 
Breathe
Grip your weapon 
Don’t lower your eyes. 
Make your pain your armour 
Let it energize you 
The last battle was lost 
But the war rages on