The Last moments of Leonidas
We stood firm.
As the mountians applauded our courage.
As the wind whistled in our ears.
As seas brought dead to our gate.
As our bodies watered the earth,
Under the demands of fear.
We stood ready.
For Greece.
For Honor.
For our families.
For Glory,
That will echo forever.
We fought.
At a disadvantage.
At the hot springs of Thermopylae.
At the gate of Thanatos*.
At the edge of the world,
And we slipped away.
We shall kill these Persians.
With our spears.
With our shields.
With daggers hidden in our boots.
With our hands,
if the need arises.
We shall die.
On our feets.
On the bodies of comrades.
On their swords.
On our faces,
with perfect defeat.
Blood soaked the earth.
Bodies piled on bodies.
The sky red.
Marking the end of day.
As the wind still whistled.
I bleed on my back.
Watching silently.
As the sun returned home.
Slowly, Till . . .