This weekend was the 810th anniversary of the Battle of Las Navas De Tolosa. On July 16th, 1212, the Reconquista defeated the Muslim invaders of Spain and marked a turning point in the liberation of the country. Spain had been occupied by Muslim slavers for five centuries, with a small resistance movement slowly taking backContinue reading “The Sword of the Cross”
Tag Archives: art
Battle at the End of the World
After learning about the Battle of Guningtou, I felt inspired by the story of the “Bear of Kinmen” and the harrowing tale of this triumph over great evil in such a dark hour. Given I was very busy this weekend, I felt it would be a good chance to write a poem in honor ofContinue reading “Battle at the End of the World”
When Honor Fades to Pride: A Haiku Series
I feel it has been some time since I wrote a haiku series, and I was starting to miss the simplicity of it. I was also reading about the Battle of the Wilderness during the American Civil War in early May of 1864. The Union forces threw themselves at Confederate positions to no avail, andContinue reading “When Honor Fades to Pride: A Haiku Series”
He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight
John Paul Jones is often considered one of the Fathers of the United States Navy. He was a privateer who joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. However, since he worked with mercenaries, pirates, and other soldiers of fortune under his command, he found himself betrayed by his own crew on more thanContinue reading “He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight”
Triumphant Is He
Evils rise and demons scheme to lead to humans astray, time and time again throughout history. The path of darkness is seductive and leads to self-destruction, whereas the path of the righteous leads into the light where we find our true selves. The darkness of sin resides in all of us, and it is incumbentContinue reading “Triumphant Is He”
The Enemy Within: A Haiku Series
The Book of Revelation has long been my favorite book of the Bible. I find the lessons contained within about living through dark times surrounded by agents of the adversary to be some of the greatest wisdom ever imparted upon Humanity. The stories about people who want to be good and do what is rightContinue reading “The Enemy Within: A Haiku Series”
Humanity’s Repetitious Tale
As any who follow my work know, I love both the ABAB rhyme scheme and haiku. ABAB poems consist of four-line stanzas with the first and third lines rhyming together and the second and fourth lines rhyming together. A haiku is a short poem of three verses consisting of 5, 7, and 5 syllables each.Continue reading “Humanity’s Repetitious Tale”
Trading of the Seasons: A Haiku Series
Winter’s chill falls backRetreating from Spring’s warm riseIce and snow be gone A battle ragesA fight between hot and coldSpring’s warmth kept at bay What will each day bring?One knows not what to expectCloudy or sunny Some days, sweet and warmOthers bite with icy coldSeasons pass and change Trading cold for heatSeasons show us nature’sContinue reading “Trading of the Seasons: A Haiku Series”
Righteous Fire: A Haiku Series
Recently, I have been interested in learning more about the life and career of Ronald Reagan. He was a political outsider who came into office as the United States was reeling from the consequences of bad policy under Jimmy Carter. As I was reading through some of his famous speeches and quotes, one line inContinue reading “Righteous Fire: A Haiku Series”
The Cycle of Civilization: A Haiku Series
Demons rise and spreadChaos reigns and grace does fallHard times breed strong men Strong men face the tideEvil devours our childrenDarkness rolling in Sharpened by hardshipThe brave cut through endless strifeStrong men make good times Good times bring bountyLight spreads to banish the darkHope fills us once more Progress follows strengthYet progress dulls traditionGood timesContinue reading “The Cycle of Civilization: A Haiku Series”
The Pensive Warrior 