Trembling Dawn

I stood waiting as the crisp fresh sound of morning
Awoke in all its glory,
I'd never heard the birds sing so sweetly, I'd never seen or felt the sunrirse
So beautifully,
Its warmth comforted my soul as this could be my last sweet moment
On this earth, for one shall live and one shall die.
In anger! I'd thrown down the gauntlet and my challenge was hastily
Accepted, now here I stand at the break of dawn awaiting the
Unknown.
I am not a coward, but as I heard the clip clopping sound of a horse
Driven carriage approaching in the distance my heart sank, my world
Once again awoken by reality.
Out of the carriage he stepped still as arrogent still as insulting,
What do you prefer fool! a quick bullet or cold steal he cried, swords
Were chosen.
He was quick on the blade, the atmosphere soon became alive with
The clash of sabres, it was like deaths dance with the grim reaper waiting
In the shadows.
On and on we fought our clothing drenched in perspiration, my throat
Went dry and I had the bitter taste of iron in my mouth.
In the cut and thrust I thought I had him but I missed, he pushed me back
Then swiftly lunged forward, he struck me well!
Aboth my hip he scored,
The pain was intense and to my knees I fell as my world went numb.
Dazed and limp I looked up into the sunlight my sword still held high as
He showed no mercy to deliver his final blow, but alas!
In his haste he stumbled and fell,
Upon my blade he fell! straight through him it ran and down he came, face to face we were and eye to eye.
This was a rare moment in time not to be cherished or forgotten,time
Seemed to stop, nothing else existed just this eerie
Overwelming feeling of sadness,
As first I saw the light fading from his eyes and then felt the life
Draining from his body.
But he died with honour and now I live with honour,
And as I gathered my sword
I stood and I trembled,
As dawn
Slowly melted away.

                      TjHatton        23/05/13.