The Battle

Three days since you left
And my heart it weeps
At all that I hear,
For all that I see

The world is so broken
From all of our blades;
I sit here reflecting
Why we’ve turned this way

You carried a torch
Head first into war,
Bearing the loathing
Enduring it more

The fire inside you
Hot to the touch
Perhaps not for burning,
Simply for love

Now in your leaving
The sky sombre gray;
Some of us grieving
Some in acclaim

We watched on in awe
As you took a shot —
Reminding us boldly
Of all we forgot

Life is demanding
You proved its worth
Paving a pathway
For truth on this earth

Eyes to be opened
Hearts to be changed
Strong lurks a darkness
That always remains

Therein the real fight,
The battle for souls;
More than we can fathom
Beyond our control

Still we have voices
Purposed for good
You taught us to use them
And so we should

Yet I am afraid
You’ve shown me the cost
I need to find courage
Lamenting your loss

Division is danger
We carry the risk
So in all this warring,
I hold onto this:

We’ll no more be captive
Bound no more in fear
If we fix our eyes
Above what is here

This world and its detours
Lures and deceives;
Our lives so entangled
In webs that we weave

But here’s not forever,
We’re made for more
There’s no need to win,
To settle the score

For victory’s promised
If we can believe;
If faith is our anchor
If love’s how we lead

That’s what you showed us
With God by your side
When foes drew their weapons
And you didn’t hide

In all the derision
You firmly stood still
Right up to the moment
Accepting your will

I long for this spirit
Amidst all my trials,
To live with conviction
Resisting the lies

There’s strength in forgiveness
Hope in the hurt;
I can’t help the feeling
That now it’s my turn

To follow the calling
Of true warriors;
To lift my voice bravely
Like you, Charlie Kirk.