Work Text:
I saw the light of pride, a radiant beam,
A guiding star in the darkest dream.
It lifted me high, with head held straight,
But shadows lingered at honor's gate.
Pride, a beacon, sharp and bright,
Yet cuts both ways, in day and night.
With grace I walked, a poised facade,
But the edge was keen, the path was hard.
Honor gleamed like a polished sword,
A double-edged truth in silent accord.
It gave me strength, it brought me pain,
In its pursuit, I found the strain.
Grace, a dance in the tempest's eye,
Held me aloft when the winds were high.
But every step, a careful tread,
For one misstep could see me bled.
I saw the light, and knew its toll,
The weight it placed upon my soul.
In pride, in grace, in honor's name,
A duality that played its game.
Yet still I rise, though shadows fall,
Embracing both the light and thrall.
For in this dance of dark and bright,
I find my strength, I see the light.