parades.

there is something diminished about this dawn...

last night, for a brief moment,

it looked as if the dark skies were perforated by stars

glowing just a bit brighter than usual.

in truth,

it was solely due to the newly created absence of a greater brilliance.

by comparison,

those heavenly lamps shone with greater radiance.

and with that,

there is one less worthy warrior poet among us.

one less competent, capable, confident, cognizant captain of creation.

today's the day.

the same as every day,

it's the may day parade day.

it's sunday.

it's all really happening.

the sun is shining,

the birds are singing,

the winds are blowing.

only dimmer,

softer,

and colder than they would seem any other day.

those winds, friends;

they bring change more than any answers.

i mean,

even the gentlest ones,

the warm breezes,

break up the smoke-ring ghost rings of spirits and memories.

the near-stillness isn't enough to keep the lightest ghosts anchored,

so it may as well be a hurricane.

---

it's inevitable, i suppose.

the finale.

and the ensuing assessment;

'...what never dies is the judgement on how you have lived your life.'

well, well, well.

lived well.

well-lived.

past tense.

the quality of true real-life battle-bard wizardry went to eleven.

there was just not enough of it.

there's no such thing, after all.

sleep easy, uncle ed.

the good night has welcomed you home.

battle hymns and funeral marches;

never quiet, never soft.....