Velamen: Canto IV

The day darkened, as if the dust from the ground arose 

Saying, “LOOK, hearken he who escaped must return.

He sought reform that became collapse

Fruit of his toil: decimation, not simply relapse.”

So I stood as one in act two facing three beasts so terrible 

Not even a garrison of Marvin Harrisons could catch an L so inevitable

The threat was credible, fate indelible 

That I was transmuted from a man to something edible

Arraigned in fear, convicted in heart

I then perceived the voice I heard from the start

It spoke not my name, but something too wonderful for me

Emitted with such authority, my fearful bonds were struck free

The wolf stalked away, the bird took flight

The large cat turned retaining pride in each stride

It looked back, not with disinterest, but curiosity

As though, at another season, I would experience its ferocity

“You move too quickly, the philosophy’s not velocity

And mindful steps are often hindered by precocity.”

I turned slowly to address the steady presence 

Of whom was certain to be a ready warrior .

But, he was a small man, in a quiet suit, unassuming

Much different from the pugilist, whose presence would be looming.

But this was the one, brown skin, bald head, quiet, but his voice couldn’t be clearer.

We stood still staring at one another, motionless, as though in a mirror.

“Who are you?” I asked, forgetting, I owed him my freedom.

Without taking offense, he replied “Who I am pales in comparison to what is to come.

My time has passed already, and this is your race to run,

And run it you must if you ever hope to see the sun.

But if you must know In your world, I was known for enumerating our souls;

Elucidating the path, so more of us can reach the goal.

And obtaining righteousness for our people through mindful means

Being descended from the most righteous people you’d ever see.

Before, I could say his name: “Dr. Du…”

He put his hand on my shoulder, smiled weakly, and said:

“This story is about you.”

Names for later, maybe never, but you are compelled,

For the telling of what comes next and after

For this is a tragic business we’re about; and no light matter.

And from what I can gather,

Time is short to silence the adder

“What do you mean?” I replied. “What’s going on?” I cried.

His smile turned for the worse,

As he commanded me to get up and dry my eyes

My sobbing stopped, my face still sticky from tears;

He continued, “You will need to put on your courage today.”

You must face your fears. 

I only pray that you’ve been given eyes to see and ears to hear.

Before, I was here, I was at rest,

By one above, who would be considered exceedingly blessed.

She called me by name, though she had no form,

And said, “It’s time for him to arise, no time to conform

To the norms, that bring him comfort,

But only fuel the storm.

I am sending you to him to know both himself

And the plight of His people.

So he can reach the shores of eternity

He’s still malleable

But if he’s to walk a sticky road,

He needs to be infallible”

I looked back up at the hill.

He ceased without a sound.

It became abundantly clear,

We’d take the long way around.