Heather Jephcott writes

Onwards

Hesitating,

tentative,

looking for prickles,

anticipating responses,

the effort to keep reaching out

does not always grow easy with time,

the body, the mind, the emotions

all weary.

Cautious,

not faltering

listening to the soldier's call

step by step, ever onwards,

the heart begins to run

forward courageously

while unsure of what lies before

fear is abandoned

the steps teetering occasionally

as the headway is never certain.

Committed,

sharing,

pulling back is not on the list,

discouragement spat out

like the poison it is,

clinging to shield,

enjoying repaired shoes,

armor, belt, helmet, sword

all securely in place.

Hesitating

tentative

but onwards,

ever onwards. 

 Templar -- Fredrik Alfredsson

[Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam (Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give glory)]