Prophecy

|Rinia|

My consciousness came back to present as my body rocked in my chair. I gasped for air as my old friend rushed to check on me. Stopping him with my right hand, I began:

Elder, I have seen the sun fall westward through the sky

And plunge below, kissing the world its last goodbye,

Before she rises again; from the bloodstained West

To burn up all - but for those who shall pass every test.

Hidden claws bloodied with sin

Slay a serpent, shed its skin.

Beneath the surface, red morning dew,

Noiseless wolf's maw sings anew.

Ravens bow to the headless crown

Blacker still: paths to walk and drown

In stars held by the mind in thrall

To light the future - a siren's call.

A dragon's might defends his hoard

Of golden grudges 'til a sword

Held by a traitor drives him to the coverless plains

And brings peace to the dragon robbed of his precious chains.

Verdant tower dwarfing Greengate Peak

Bleeds gladly for the one who will speak

For the beast and bird and sun on the leaves

And the path forward under wisdom's eaves.

A swan emerges in grace, feathers unmarred by the deeps.

Its wings now beat for glory and a lust that never sleeps

To soar above another, beak running red

For the swan's final victory - nothing left unsaid.

But lo! The sun above, at blessed noon, is poised to fall

If dawn-children risen from the dead heed the call

Of dusky Fate's last gift: gazing skywards with unshielded eyes;

Pass every test and tomorrow's sun again shall rise.