Poem by KAL- The Other Side

The Other Side

by KAL

As I pushed through the briars, bramble, and thorns of a deeply neglected pathway into the dark forest, the only thoughts dancing in my mind were visions of the promises that getting to the other side of this were to me — to exist.

Were they true? Was it merely folklore? Would the journey steal the time I had left, so that once I arrived I’d be too broken, bruised, and battered to bask in the sunshine — if indeed it existed outside of fairytales at all?

Fighting back even more dirty, dingy moss, muck, and mire, I carried on. I don’t know why exactly. Part of me needed to believe something more existed. Another part had no faith at all. Perhaps the most willful part of me — the me physically pushing through and thinking all these thoughts — knew I’d find the promises, or at least be a grand warrior for the wear. With a smile, I pushed forward, stronger and more determined with each branch, each fallen tree to move aside, each painful step.

What I could not have envisioned was the reality of both being true. Once the forest broke into the magnanimous meadows of sunshine, dragonflies, and dandelion dust, I’d be both basking in the sunshine of promises and a warrior. Stronger, wiser, and able to bask in the sunshine of promises until the end of my days.

When those days will draw to an end, I cannot know. But I’ll be here sharing what I’ve learned, leaving behind all I can. For no adventure — even if mostly dark — is only for the one who’s traveled it, but for those with ears to hear and souls to keep.

The secrets and wisdoms of the Warrior.

Truly forged of fire, yet a diamond in the forehead of Taurus.

A Prelude to Valentine's Day

 

A Prelude to Valentine’s Day

The snow doesn’t make my heart grow cold; it simply lifts a tale once left untold— a quiet place where all my loves reside, and you dwell there, warm, safe, inside.

The nights are heavy, winter long, the cold keeps humming its weary song, trying to steal the part of me that holds your every memory. But love won’t yield to winter’s will; it warms the room inside me still.

So I warm my hands by the waiting hearth and shape a paper heart with careful art— ribbons, bows, and lace entwined, a tender place for the note I sign, the one that carries, soft and true, all the love I hold for you.

And when you step through the door once more, with your gentle smile I’ve waited for, I’ll place that heart into your hand. Suddenly spring returns to the land, and Valentine’s quietly begins— for I love you now, and always will, for my love for you can never chill.

by Winter - 1.12.26

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