I don’t remember where it came from, although that’s no surprise anymore. But I do remember what it means. I am the Shield, and She is the Sword.

A Shield can be a weapon unto itself. Wielded with hammer blows. But a Sword is superior.

A Sword can be a defence method. Who wants to walk into a whirling blade? But a Shield is superior.

This long suffering metaphor is intended to emphasise the power of being together.

You cannot do everything. Hell, you almost can’t do anything…alone. The society we have sleepwalked into building¹ pushes us away from that every day. It has almost become duty to rebel. Do not play by the rules, nobody else will. You cannot fight alone. And why should you? Find your tribe. That, after all, is how we were made to live. Natural isn’t always good, but maybe in this case. Hell if I really know.

Lately, the Armoury has expanded. Sword and Shield joined by Axe and Crossbow. Unique weapons with unique strengths and weaknesses.

An axe hits harder than a sword, but takes more strength to wield. An axe can also be a tool, whereas a sword is peculiarly weaponised. A crossbow has the obvious advantage of range. But good luck cutting anyone with it.

Not that the specifics matter to the metaphor. Think first and ask questions later, that’s me as ever. People being weapons (problematic, I’ll admit) is by the by…the point is more…

Life’s a battle. Let’s go to war together.

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