Armor-plated from head to toe,
Watchful eyes peering from behind metal,
Hands gloved since touch itself is too great a risk,
He guards the same gate every night,
Same steps to and fro,
Routines rarely disrupted by a shout or a stranger,
Which threaten the safety of this repetition.
These disturbances pass through the night
And leave the city still alive.
But should one wish harm,
He is ready to put himself in front:
Spear and shield in hand,
Prepared to fight evil-
                                        -or die trying-
Since living with failure would be too much to bear.