Testing our mettle

We spend our lives questioning and testing and proving ourselves, seeking commendations from other men -- our friends and fathers. Testing our mettle in battle, afraid we may not measure up to the ideal; but desperately needing the answer.

Are we here men of quality and good character? Will we yet pass this test? Some of us have survived the fogs of previous war, have taken our scars and given as many in return. Some of us have found our answer; some of us have not.

Until we know we know not. We shake in fear on the inside. We hurry to break our gaze and turn away. We cower but hesitate to run. Until we know we know not.

Our unanswered question keeps us in the battle. We fight on.