On flaming fields of battle
A mask of grime across my face
If we wish to reap the spoils
We must take up frenzied pace
We must climb o’er broken bodies
If we are to reach the goal
There can be no room for mercy
Only blackened hearts of coal
With a blood rage in my eyes
And a hatred in my veins
I extol barbaric virtue
As I charge across these plains
In the final fleeting moments
As you taste my sharpened steel
You are just another victim
To be ground beneath my heel
“Unless we keep the barbarian virtues, gaining the civilized ones will be of little avail.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The above poem was inspired by this Theodore Roosevelt quote. While it does not need to be taken 100% literally, there is something to be gleaned from it regardless.
Personally, I use it to remind myself that staying in good health/physical shape is priceless. It resonates with me even more today, as I am currently in recovery mode. While I feel far less than stellar, I sometimes wonder how much worse I would feel if I did not embrace the “barbarian virtues” and continue training into my later years.
It can also be a good reminder that even at our most kindhearted, we sometimes need to get a bit savage to press forward. Whether that is in combating a physical ailment, a mental one, or any other challenge, sometimes we have to approach it as a battle, and call upon our long dormant warrior side to carry us through.
I would wager that a fair amount of us have some warriors somewhere in our bloodlines. I know that I do.
When you feel like you can’t go on, when you feel defeated and you are ready to raise the white flag, channel the spirit of those great ancestors before you. Ask them to provide you with the strength and vigor they once so proudly displayed.
Stand up, raise your head high, and just for a time if need be, embrace your barbarian virtues.
While the battles our ancestors faced were often far different from what we face today, know and remember that they too faced insurmountable odds. But they dug deep, charged forward and took the fight to the opposition.
Just like you can too.
Whatever is standing in your way is there for only one reason – for you to knock it down and claim your victory.
Go take your victory.
KHR, 2025
The Beginning At Last 
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