The Fall of Bitterness

Amid the vale where shadows creep, Beneath the weary’s tread, The battle raged, unceasingly deep, Where hopes and fears are wed. The traveler bore a noble plight, To free the bound, restore the light. “Come rest,” a giant softly said, “You’ve labored long, your strength is dead. The hurts you bear are sharp and true, Why toil for those who slighted you? Come drink this draught, it soothes the pain, Hide with me from storm and rain.” The traveler paused, his strength grown thin, And bitterness slipped slowly in. The chains he’d vowed to break with love Now seemed too great to rise above. “Why has my King not answered swift? Where is the faith to bring relief?” The giant smiled and fed the doubt, To snuff the traveler’s courage out. “Are they worth the pain you bear? These prisoners who do not care? Let them rot; the war is lost, Forget the fight, reject love’s cost.” The giant’s hand, though gentle-seeming, Worked spells of fear to quench the dreaming. But deep within, a voice arose, As light from shadows faintly glows: “Your King has not abandoned you; He sent you forth with mission true. Rise up, resist this cunning foe, For love’s great strength will overthrow.” With blade in hand, the traveler cried, “You foul deceiver, dark and sly! My King has called; I shall obey. Your grip on me shall end this day!” The giant fell, with harrowing wail, A shadow pierced beneath the veil. The traveler turned, his heart aflame, To fight, to free, to bear love’s name. The battle rages, yet shall cease, When prisoners walk in holy peace.