the traveller

I once felt Pain

Down ole’ memory’s lane,

It bit and it needled

Like a sliver of grain.



I once left Joy,

I was a very small boy,

Because it blinded and trapped

And was always so coy.



I once beheld Anger

But not as a stranger,

But as an enemy that was me

And it put me in danger.



I once drank of Wisdom

While visiting the Kingdom,

It was icy and sweet

And it put me to sleep.



I once killed Honesty,

He didn’t like me,

And I didn’t like him,

He lies now in peace.



I once kissed Love

Before she left for above,

Flew in mine eyes

Away like a dove.



I then met Hate

Who’s both rounded and straight,

I knew not what to think of him or her or it --

It was an awkward blind date.



I once heard of Silence

Who laughs at compliance,

He likes mocking the rest of us

But is there for our sadness.



I once dug a hollow

For a very brave fellow

Who always seemed to smile

Until he drowned in Denial.



This friend of mine

Whose wide eyes were blind,

Loved to dance in the wild

Like a child of Time.



I once asked the men,

Who would always defend,

Why they struck that child

And left him for dead.



They had then said,

With both Malice and Dread

That they'd had no choice

And they are since dead.



And now I walk with Death,

Who with the sweetest of breath

Welcomes me quite warmly

In a lengthy caress.



And since I've rejoined old friends

As this journey soon ends,

And together we'll go,

The next journey commenced.