Virtue and faith in metal

Through the red and gold I remember
There was a time when I was a leader.
But does this badge tell more of a tale
About a year of triumph and failure.

To be honored was to be responsible
And there were times when this was memorable;
From SRC meetings and mentoring kids
To replacing the school's rubbish bin lids.

Such memories do melt the tiny metal
And I am left with something better;
Qualities that go beyond this badge
That I will carry into another age.