It's been a year, folks (although I originally wrote this during the summer).
We've won again.
We always do.
(Well, no, not quite.)
And with a little help this time
-renewed promise of home, the long way round-
But that is good, it's new, exciting!
Still.
The unexpected victories bring twice the joy.
.
He stands in pain.
He stands in peace.
He scatters pieces of himself around, across the floor.
.
I wrote a sequel since you too do not like endings.
(Because everything ends.
But not today.)
For all of you, I break the rules,
I'll try again.
Cause that's a better story.
(It was the best, you know. And ever shall be.)
.
Always, always, I tell you.
One more vow.
And you, forget me not.
(The times we've had? I know you wouldn't)
.
He reaches out.
The breath upon the mirror, it is fading.
Just as well.
The clock has long since struck,
And dear one, count the chimes.
.
He walks around, reassuring her.
He is glowing.
.
Oh, please don't cry.
For where I go,
They are waiting for me drifting, phantomwise
Unseen by all but me and still remembered
Warm shadows, friendly ghosts,
watchful and so, so living
The undying spring on eyes I've missed so much
Pale autumn never slaying summer's glory.
.
(Come, my friends, 'tis not too late to seek a newer world)
.
Drenched to the bone in Time,
With glee, with all he shares it.
Of course he's not afraid, why would you ask?
It is just one more miracle.
And acquitted now he goes
-be all my sins remembered –
to the all-consuming light.
.
And there is something; something like redemption.
.
It will be quick.
Not sudden, but prepared for.
There's a caress,
a mournful, changing fire,
a ritual drop of silk.
Just close your eyes.
Just smile.
Just hold your breath
(your last).
And he is coming.
.
(For my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.)
.
And there is joy,
joy in his eyes,
joy in his laughter and his tears.
.
Because he's been through so, so much,
Has suffered greatly, has enjoyed,
Has walked, has travelled and has run
Long, long, so many years.
.
Because this new, pure man that's born
.
is born of
.
hope.
OoO
The poem includes quotes from Alfred Tennyson's "Ulysses". Check it out, as well as the moving and magnificent "Time of the Doctor" review that partly inspired me to write this: "Here Standing In Front Of You", by Philip Sandifer. I don't always agree with his or her reviews and I do think that he or she tends to overanalyze at times, but this one? Fucking amazing.