There’s news around town that Gareth Bryant is a fraud.
They mean to judge me as I’m to be judged by my Lord.
I’m given no recourse for self defence, against offense which can’t be proven.
There’s a lot of behind the scenes envy at play, in shadows as a dank craven.
I’ve been viciously accused of carrying disease & bringing pestilence from the carrion.
Condemned to being sentenced to the Galleys of Gossip, on the Oceans of deception.
I wish I had wings, to fly away from the hurt of defamation’s blister.
To retire to the south & never return north to suffer the cruel winter.
I’m in the ring of threats, lies, and cries.
All those at ringside are those I despise.
My only weapons are the blade of my religion.
Accompanied by my shield of brass conviction.
Also with my armor of confidence.
And my helmet of sheer defiance.
My greaves protect my legs, my foundation, from being cut down.
My swift arrows, which can hit its target, without making a sound.
Constantly treading on the battlefield of life, drenched by the blood of the fallen.
The blades of grass, once emerald in hue, now stained with shades of crimson.
I’m the Slandered-Gladiator, pursued by mad Emperors, who enjoy bloodshed.
They know to kill one’s reputation is far more destructive, than killing one dead.
I’m paired against adversaries only wanting my life & property.
They think that their speech of 2-tongues can really scare me.
One challenger, two legions, three armies…more!!!
Come fight me, in public, let’s just settle this score.
No longer afraid of death, nor loneliness, we were born & will die by ourselves.
I am prepared to face anyone & on any day…such is the great fate of Warriors.
Victory belongs to those who are most just.
Those whom Allah favored, earned His trust.
Gareth Bryant
Gareth Bryant 