M. Aline

Sailing through unfamiliar seas

Some uncharted territory

Deserted by those who once had burning passion

That became grueling as they kept away from shore

Thirst and hunger drove them to madness

Hatred consumed their bones

Abandon ship, the captain said

But no one cared of the danger arising

Who was aware but the captain?

And his mates had skulls too thick

The stench of death began to consume them

As the weight of their stubbornness

Rotted them to the core

Captain laid ashore for several days

Searching for a way back home

He came across a message in a bottle

Leading to a place unknown

More uncharted territory

Through unfamiliar seas

But who knew these seas better than he?

The captain who ordered his ship to flee

A scroll of mazes held tight to his chest

He looked beyond for hope to be replenished

But guilt gripped him by the throat

Should he have fought more for those he wished to save?

Or was he foolish for thinking of even one?

Then a word from above sounded over the waves

It crashed over him and knocked him on his face

Be still, captain

You may control the ship,

But I lead the way

Surrender all your possessions

And follow me today

The captain cried out and dropped his greatest treasures

I surrender to you, he said

Spirit, lead me and I will follow you

His eyes clenched shut

A woman approached unbeknownst

As she laid her hand over his,

His way became clear

If what you seek is a path

Let it be known

And fate will have its way

—M. Aline