The Battles I lose

As inevitable as I knew this would be,
the strength doesn't come easily.
As I lick the fresh wounds on my ego,
I know that this is a sign of things to come.

You talk of the choices you make to shield
as I recognize that my calling has finally called.

Perseverance and patience,
I dust them off to perform their service.

And finally as one riot reaches its close
the one that breeds in the privacy of my head
turns to sublimation
And finds a sole solace in the unpleasant path ahead -
The battles I lose
I choose.