Cast off your Tarnished Soul

Ten years hence, something grabs your attention

My own soul tarnished from man-made suffering

You traded you soul for that of his beloved steed.

Thunderbolt was a magnificent steed.

Was it worth it? Countless atrocities a rose up between people of the land.

I hoped the enlightened animal would provide protection from the unbearable human world.

Ah yes, you began on a lone scouting journey in search of peace.

Thunderbolt and I felt a powerful connection with the natural order of things.

But that did not last. You returned here days later, and what awaited you?

A nightmare awaited. Where I traveled wreaked with death where scavengers feasted.

And what of the foreign land, was it not charred all around you?

I retched at the filth humankind had brought forth. No quiet peace, only desolation.

And what about your noble steed you so coveted and had to make yours?

Our only choice was to flee in a frenzied quest for hallowed ground.

And where is your steed now?

I forced him to run so hard for so long until he collapsed and died from exhaustion.

And tell me of your soul, the one you’d hope to polish free of sin.

I threw myself on top of Thunderbolt and my own tarnished soul joined with the horse’s pure one.

So, you are now absolved from the taint and tarnish of a decade ago.

No, you were right, I could not cast off the tarnished soul with desire placed elsewhere.

Still, you are not alone, awareness of self is the greatest peace.