on leave

i shall abandon battle, savor peace, and leave my weapons at the door
of my fortress. i will not violate my sacred ground.

i have, from time out of mind, dealt mercy to those who have none for
me, and avenged wrongs with swift justice, so much so that i find
myself weary and reeling from continuous assault.

i have walked past other soldiers in the streets, and heard their
cries run shameless as we gather for meals, for fellowship among
peers. i see the tired, shuffling resonance of their aching feet. and
in the morning's chilled and angry blast, i recognize the music of
their retreat as if i saw their ghosts before they are gone from this
place. yes, a furlough, a brief respite, a hope our blessings will
increase, and for a bit, for a little while, the dark symphony of our
small daily war will cease.

.................................................................

spring break is next week, my friends. and i'll be honest, i am in
need this year. i cannot say with any certainty either way if i will
post much next week. if not, i'll be back. though, i suppose given
how much my readership has dropped off, i should really consider
weather to keep at this. who am i kidding? of course i'll keep on. no
offense, it's never been about you anyway. but, perhaps it's time for
a change of direction. see you soon.

ghost