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MechWarrior, cling thee not to this world,
As it holds for you no more.
But listen! Listen for the song from afar,
And heed the lilting call of the land that awaits.
Let the final breath slip from your pierced chest,
And your broken hands fall from the stick.
Bend your bloodied brow to this life,
And let tumble the shattered helm that once cradled your head.
Leave behind these acrid smokes of the fields,
These swirling battlegrounds of charred metal, bone and flesh.
Depart from the flashing fires that filled your eyes with destruction,
And abandon the burning hulk of steel and crimson that was your mount.
Hold not to this realm,
But hasten! Hasten down the twisting path to the mountains.
To the dark mountains and beyond,
And across the shimmering sea.
Voyage then. Voyage thee well MechWarrior.
Voyage thee well and long.
Cross the great divide,
And find the land that beckons with its Siren’s song.
Where swords and strife cannot follow,
Nor can cruel laser and cold gauss reach.
Where rolling hills of soft sun and velvet grasses embrace,
And quiet waters sooth your beleaguered soul.
Then, lay thee down MechWarrior,
Lay thee down and sleep.
Dream the dreams of victors…
Loose the silver cord…
And find your peace complete.
Fare thee well MechWarrior.
Fare thee well.
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This is the official, final version of the poem "Fare Thee Well MechWarrior". It has been available since 2008.
Please feel free to use this poem as you wish for any non-commercial purpose.
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Some comments on the poem:
The dying MechWarrior fights to finish his mission. Reluctantly, he is guided down the path to the afterlife.
Also, implicit in the poem is the possibility the MechWarrior may not fare well. He may find a very different place than one of peace and rest. He could find a place of torment and agony. Indeed, it is for this very reason we wish him to "fare well". It expresses our hope that he does not fare poorly.
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I remember Brian "Neuromancer" Bisson, founder of MechWarrior Leagues, 1968 - 2007.
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Video Links:
New Video by Celestial:
Original 480p video as read by George Ledoux:
720p version:
1080p version with a new reading by Kate Walsh:
Topgame Media Crew version with the Kate Walsh read:
Audio Only:
SoundCloud recording of the George Ledoux read:
https://soundcloud.c...r-george-ledoux
SoundCloud recording of the Kate Walsh read:
https://soundcloud.c...l-mechwarrior-1
Please note edit date below:
.
Edited by nano, 11 September 2023 - 11:33 AM.
