Up on the rocky hillock,
beyond the hot gates,
tooth and nail they fought
to the last.

They fought in the cool shade
of a million arrows and spears
and their hair was combed
and their smiles bloody.

In death they looked more beautiful
than ever in life!
To die sword in hand
To not be a beggar on doom
To find a cause that takes
your little animal life off-center
Is what defines a Leonidas.

Fotios, 15 December 2006