Bearing the standard and the scars

I’m strong when you are weak,
brave when you are meek,
bold when you are shy,
and hold you when you cry.

I am my lady’s champion,
her lover, and companion.
You’ll find no other quite like me –
the epitome of gallantry.

But service comes with a steep cost
and the marks of what I’ve lost
criss-cross underneath my mail,
marking all the times I’ve failed.

And few will know how much I’ve grieved
for not being as strong as she believed.