refuge

the wearied warrior lay his heavy armor down for a moment of relief;he had fought with stalwart tenacity and had the bruises to prove it. there was a blanket of brush hiding him for this one fleeting breath of calm. the relentless enemy sought him night after night in the places where he had hoped to find sanctuary and peace. he knew the battle was not over yet. for this sacred momentary sigh in the lapse of fire gave room to reflection of strategies and schemes, mistakes and corrections, and a great awareness of thirst and pain. he foresaw the battles to come and started up preparing to grasp the hilt of his sword. exhaustion held him back though he was determined to stand and fight. just as he regained strength and prepared to defy this foolish foe, he was struck in his right shoulder by a toxic blade. darkness cloaked the hero.

the assailants congratulated themselves for their cunning mastery of such a man as this; and they left him for his own madness. the wound throbbed and his heart felt despair tinged with sadness; the warrior fell into a foggy stupor.

he wasn't aware of the length of time that had elapsed but as he regained consciousness, he heard the sweet fluent sound of an unadulterated voice. the cantor sang ballads of healing melodies, and he responded to the lyrical hymns awakening new harmony. autumn leaves fell about his head caressing his brow. everything was quiet though a light breeze moved the air with joy and clarity. the warrior sat up to find his wounds mended and his armor beside him. he walked forward, his feet cushioned with every step on the thick grass; further on he found a stream and bathed his face in its crisp water. as he journeyed into this sacred space, the light grew brighter and the songs grew louder. this was the safety, the shelter, the strong tower he had sought day after day. the warrior respired a great sigh; his heart's heaviness could be left here though he still clung to the grief of battle lost. the cantor's voice could be heard again with greater force and poignant energy. the song captured doubt and ensnared sorrow as it penetrated the hero's senses. the battle was not lost. the battle is not over. and victory is guaranteed.

...till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.