The Warrior Scholar

Poem by Rocco Valentini

Artwork Sourced from Pinterest. Artist: Jacques-Louis David

The Warrior Scholar

by Antonio Rocco S. (Rocco Valentini)

Don’t buy into the delusions of youth;
There is only victory, not compromise.
For every white flag raised by truth
Is another red flag raised by lies.

Don’t bother trying to run;
Your problems will just get bigger.
Placing a flower in the barrel of your enemy’s gun
Won’t stop them from pulling the trigger.

There is no dichotomy
Between a clenched fist and an open mind.
Fighting is necessary to retain your autonomy;
Be a warrior and a scholar combined.

Aristotle said that pride is the crown of virtue;
Honor and integrity must be its jewels.
For excellence must have no curfew;
Greatness is not a sweepstakes for fools.