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"A Fable In Poem"
"Come Ye to seek Faith friend? Then know, that the path you must travel is arduous indeed.
First, traveler, Thou must eat of the fruit that grows upon the Tree of Hope, (But, in passing years cold frosts have turned them bitter.)
Worry not, though, but a small taste will suffice.
Next, good person, set out when the sun has not yet risen, for Thou must reach Thy destination ere it sets, for day during this season is fleeting, and does not tarry long for warmth. The night is indeed long and cold, and few have found their way through its' shroud.
Step gingerly along the way, for distractions are many, and numerous are the things that would keep you from your Journey. You will hear the Banshees wail at your back, the moan of Time's burden, and the single solemn peal of the Great Knell.
Heed them not, but rather be aware of the sights yet to come, and look not long upon.
Thou shall see lakes of frozen tears, shed by souls who have no more to feel. You will gaze upon fields of abandoned smiles, grimly grinning into unlimited unknown. And, miss not fleet-footed Joy, who, as lately, outruns all who seek to embrace her. ( Try it not )
But, my hero, here I stand and tell Thee of the greatest hindrance. As you pass along your way, and sunset bleeds slowly into the horizon, Despair will come and offer Thee bread. Eat it not, for it is the Manna of Hell, and all who partake of it slowly sicken and then die in twisted agonies of What Might Have Beens.
Despair comes in many guises, so beware: Whether with plumed hat or purpled robes, he offers food of unchanging nature.
Here, wear this leathern shawl, for Despair also has taloned fingers to stroke ones heart and freeze even the deepest desire.
If Thou should elude Despair, then not far beyond the road shifts sharply downhill. Neither turn to the right or left, but keep to the straight path. Ahead you shall see a simple shack - knock swiftly, for nightfall will be almost certain to fall at that hour, and Many that were that failed to knock and did not enter ere darkness overtook them.
When Thou hast done such, a young woman shall answer - you need not tell your name, for all who come to Faith's abode are known to her, and her house is yours until you decide to depart. (Passing strange, though... of all those who were her guest, few traveled on.)
Farewell, friend, and God speed, but ... if you do happen to dine with Faith, please say that I miss her embrace, and that I shall someday return.