A shield lives not for glory,
Like the sword of shining steel;
Upon its face the story
Of its owner is revealed.
While swords have names and pedigrees
A shield is thrown away,
Content to have the chance to be
The one that saved the day.
For though a sword may win a war
And pay its bloody cost,
The shield should be remembered for
Each war that isn’t lost.
This was written to go on the back of my shield.