This might have been better for Memorial Day, but it came to me this morning. I hope you enjoy it. It has a happier ending than most of the things referencing the name.

Standing at the gate, a laser in his hand
The last of the defenders makes a final stand.
Armor counts for little against a cunning foe
Yet still will he stand, til they strike the final blow.

Though bombs and ship beams glitter
In place of cannon, sword, and bow.
Defeat is no less bitter
Though in time will valor show.

The bursting bombs around him,
still must pierce his shell
As he guards the charge behind him
And sends the foeman back to hell.

Standing in the rubble, his charges living still
The last of the defenders, guards through stubborn will.
With no one to relieve him, he keeps to his feet
And friend or foe will find him ready still to meet.

When at last come brothers
Fresh and strong and bold.
The defender gives the tasks to others
And releases then his hold.

Quiet in the darkness,
He lays weary, still, and cold.
A lost soul quickly harkens
At the fleeting heart to hold.

Standing by the bed side, of the wounded, failing soul
A gentle voice is singing, a song to call him home.
No gate will yet admit him, death refuses now his call,
But those he saved restore him, and bring him to their hall.

At Tannhauser Gate copyright © Heather Strickler 2026 all rights reserved