When I look at you
I see a knight
Standing firm in your radiant and shining armor
Ready for life's war
Each piece placed to protect you from a potentially fatal blow
Rigid you stand
With presence that warns off the worthiest of foes
But when I take off your helmet
I see a woman who's beauty knocks everyone to their knees
Making it hard to breathe
A smile that uplifts the deepest rooted doubts
Leaving only the strongest of beliefs
Beauty that instils the strength of ten armies
And when laughter pours out of you
We give in and enter the state of vulnerable trust
So can we leave that at the door?
As we make our way across the room
When I take off your breastplate
I see the heart of a woman
With the compassion to lift us up from the deepest of sadness
And the blood that courses through your veins
So pure it gives life to those who are merely around it
I see the heart of a woman with a radiant light so bright
It shines
Exposing all the corners where darkness used to reside
And a heart that pours out love so deep
It sweeps you off your feet
So can we leave that at the door?
Lean it against the wall as we make our way across the room
When I take off each piece protecting your extremities
I see the arms of a woman
Arms with the strength to lift giants out of their trap
And crush anyone who challenges your beliefs
Yet I see the arms and hands of a woman gentle enough to soothe an aching heart
Willing to drop everything at a moments notice
And put them to good work for those in need
I see the legs and feet of a woman
Firmly placed to the ground
A base so sturdy it welcomes the fiercest storm
Toes like roots
Running deeply underground
Holding you firm
Yet willing to uproot
And move with all the weight upon your shoulders
Should it service a
Greater
Selfless
Good
So can we leave that at the door?
Just throw everything in a pile over by your helmet
Now
Let me step back
To see you for the true person I know you to be
The one I know off the battle field
That taught me the meaning of
Strength
Beauty
Compassion
Vulnerability
Laughter
Forgiveness
Grace
Meanings learned as a direct result
Of your inherent and good nature.
... But should you ever,
Have to take up your plates of armor
...Then please take
My shield
My sword
My bow...
Because you've taught me,
That I don't need these with you anymore...
- Casey Noack, Guest Contributor