underworld, realm, beasts, raze, maps, storytellers, saints, emeralds, hood, voices, serpent, mist
The Request
A traveller, tall, intense,
Wearing a hooded cape,
Stands looking at the vessel.
The ship’s captain waits.
The traveller turns to him and speaks:
Traveller
I wish to go to that land
Recounted by the storytellers.
Will you take me?
Captain
There be dragons Sir,
With eyes flickering like emeralds
And with a thick fiery breath
That can raze whole villages.
Traveller.
I fear no dragon.
Will you take me?
Captain
And serpents, and fierce beasts
Beyond you imagination…
Traveller
I do not expect saints
Nor do I fear devils singing
With the voices of Ulysses’ sirens.
Will you take me?
Captain
It is realm of mists, of tormented souls,
Beyond the edge of our maps.
An evil and a diabolical place
Worse than the underworld
Of Hades and Cerberus.
Traveller
So I have been told.
Will you take me?
Captain
No.
◊
Could be about trying to look inside yourself, only to have some part of you say, “Not today, mate.” Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteThe conversation between the Captain and the Traveller feels to me like a self-reflective dialogue—a quiet, internal exchange between the part of me that craves the unknown and the part that seeks the comfort of the familiar. Oh, that desire to venture beyond the known, despite the risks! Even when warned of potential pain or failure… it’s my choice to live my life. Yet, I can see the perspective of those with a strong instinct for self-preservation, who choose to remain in a familiar, controlled space rather than venture into unpredictable territory. These people may acknowledge the desire for adventure, but ultimately choose the safer path. Interesting piece of creative writing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSometimes No is the very best answer.
ReplyDeleteToo many seek adventure because they lack creativity and imagination. The only sensation is one derived from thrill seeking. They miss out.
ReplyDeleteAs it is written in the seldom-cited Book of Hesitations: “He who stands at the gate of knowing may find it locked by mercy.” Perhaps the voice is not denial, but divine delay.
ReplyDeleteWell done. Untrustworthy traveler.
ReplyDelete