quid pro quo

Thanks to Mark Knopfler for the inspiration... :)

The soldier took off his armor
Laid down his sword
And examined his wounds
Some scars are fading
Some are just starting to sting
Yet the battle is far from being over.
He gazed at his callused feet
Then at the road ahead
A tear trickled
And slided down his sword
The blade gleamed as liquid touched metal
Everything is traded off....
Fire for pure silver.
Pressure for diamonds.
Sweat for food.
Pain for joy.
Storm for harvest.
Blood for peace.
Tears for strength.
Heartache for wisdom.
Crucifixion for redemption.
Failure for growth....
Death for Truth.