Aftermath

Through the smoke filled haze she walked. A barren land laid to waste at her feet. Both ally and foe decimated in battle. Is there another soul wandering alone? Acre upon acre spread out before her covered with the bloodied remains of warriors. Men she knew well, others she did not. Were they all gone now, only a memory? She knelt by a dear friend and took his hand. Life’s nectar and mud mingled then oozed between her fingers… She cried. Her bereavement too great to endure. Muffled hoof beats went unnoticed. His looming presence an apparition? The beast pawed the ground with nervous feet, the copper scent of blood filling his frightened brain. The rider, clad in soot-covered armor sat astride his massive warhorse in silence. Permitting the mourner a moment to grieve. Time to bid her kinsmen farewell. A light breeze kissed the sweat dampened tendrils of hair that caressed her cheek. Life affirming cool fresh air. Awakening… she was not alone. She wiped her tear-swollen eyes at the sight of the phantom before her. Was he a vision caused by her anguish, Or a miracle from heaven? He offered his hand… She took it. An anchor in her empty world A safe harbor for her floundering ship. Sanctuary… Security… Blessed Freedom… Written November 5th, 2001 © on Nov 05 2001 12:17 PM PST, Pat Williams   0 • 12