The Canyons

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

I sit silent listening to the echoes, unsure as to whether they are from the rocks that have fallen, or from the thoughts which fill my mind.  Tossing another stone, I cock my head, feeling the sounds resonate deep within me.  Long after the sounds fade, the thrum within me remains.  And how many have tread across the canyons of my mind, my heart, my soul?  I gaze inward, sensing the path of the multitudes which have passed, and the array of colors which their passage has wrought intrigues.  From the dark hues of the turbulent times, to the delicate shades of those whom I have loved.  And yet one among them stands out, bright and sure it travels unerringly through the hazards, roaming at will along the paths, all of which lead to my heart.  For this one, I scatter the stones of doubt.  For this one, I shall scale the treacherous walls.  For this one I shall risk a deadly fall into the depths.  And yet my heart is safe, for it is she who carries it.

The Goddess

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

    Across this ribbon which flows a thousand miles, lies a strange place of which I have naught but dreamed.  It's creatures strange and beautiful, its landscape a monument to the gods.  And yet I am bound here by my nature, my magic unable to survive the crossing. Though the temptation be strong, I refuse to yield, refuse to sacrifice the embrace of the goddess to whom I serve.  Such as it is, I will forge my own lands, I will create my own creatures, and I will sculpt beauty from my surroundings.  Thus those beyond my reach will be tempted, and unto me will they come, sharing in the fruits of the goddesses blessings.

Longing

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

The swirls and patterns caress the sky, beauty from beyond the horizon.  A horizon to which my one true love has fled.  And so, far into the northern lands, I await her return, bound to this sunless sky.  Will she accept this monster that I am?  Will she allow the heart which is bound to the beast to embrace her in its cold dark state?  Will she take the chance that she may hold the answer to its thawing?  Willing or no, the thawing has begun, and whether she be willing or not, I cannot find it within me to feed.  And thus I waste, awaiting that which may not come.  Without her, I would rather succumb to the everlasting slumber, rather than live in the shadows of that which I desire.

A Favorable Wind

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

From lands distant and strange, from times long forgotten, may come that for which we yearn.  Carried upon the wind, our thoughts, our dreams, our longing, may traverse the globe settling who knows not where.  But were we vigilant, were we attentive, perhaps, once in a while, those winds may blow in our favor.  When that doth happen, breath deep of that air that fortune has blown our way, and cling tight to the gift which has been bestowed upon you.

These Bloody Fields.

Photo Courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

How many men have battled here?  How many nations have struggled to plant there flags upon these fertile fields?  As the soil sifts through my hands, I am not naive enough to believe that the last of the blood has been shed upon this land. Whether it be my own, or that of a descendent, I cannot say.  I can say that to lay claim to the lands upon this world is folly, for it is but a lease, a lease bound in blood.  So appreciate the blessings bestowed upon you in the moment, for on the morrow, they may be stripped from you, leaving you to roam the world in search of the next field which is worthy of your blood.

Old Friend

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

The smile which curves my lips is for the old friend which has come to visit.  The years have past, and though many have gone, he is one on which I can depend.  I know not if it be the same, but I am comforted none the less.  And though I will be gone long before these visits end, I will take solace with me in my final rest.

Lonely Shores

Photo courtesy of Sharena Williams Photography

The miles of footprints which have been erased by the sea swim through my thoughts.  Lasting only long enough to be a brief note of our passing.  With her at my side, we have had many a walk recorded, only to wake the next day and have to rewrite our story in the endlessly changing sands.  On this sunset, my gait feels awkward for reasons I do not understand, until I remember.  I walk these shores alone, her hand no longer in mine, for she has passed beyond that sunset. And so I walk further each day, my footprints alone must now write the story of the pair which used to tread these shores. And though no longer with me, though the distance traveled will be far, she will always be with me as I weave the tale of our love.