SOHO: The Return ~ Panel II: The Triptych

THE RETURN II "How the years have passed. I hope I have been able to send you; Fragments in fortunes letters, Of the grace and chaos, Woven the ancient intersections between the gods. Was I just a character in your myth? The one who placed in front of you a drink? One that made the gardens bloom in Japan? If we could fall in love beneath the song of sharks, And say weren't it all up to the stars ~ Operas of our days. Stay beautiful, as I battle on. It's the only thought I have of grace. As I put my suit of armor on, My sword will not sleep by my side. Nor will the voices quiet from the wild. To the great echo and the touch of fate. I was cast out, But there may come a day. My hand has felt its naked palm for many years. My feet have missed the land, My toes have only felt between them; salt, and sea, and sand. I have for decade weathered storms that were not homeward bound, And felt strange instruments of war and tattered tools; That were not my bow, To fight off giants, and bewitching sirens. I learned to swallow suffering and to swallow it in silence. I have played chess with forgers, magicians, and with thieves. They came away empty handed but for what they could carry in their sleeves. I rode away with their monkey, And for my steed with their donkey. And all I had about me, By way of sword and property, Was the search for beauty. It is time to bring me that green feather, To fletch the arrows, And unravel the bow, Which none other can knock, Let alone unleash, So I can fight again, for beauty. I have it in me and much more. Let me lay to rest the posers, The mimics and the frauds. They've had their time. Bring me my bow of burning gold, And watch me set the world alight. ~ LF"