The Pilgrim

The tempest rises,fury full; Dust floats the air, Thunder roared in tremendous Rebuke to oust a lone pilgrim, Still marching strong. He has fear in his heart, But today is a test of faith. the choice to quit, Gave its temptations, But his unwavering will Saw him past all the obstacles Laid out before him. “O lord, I implore upon Your guiding strength To find me a worthy champion; Instill me fearless and just, When mortality wanes; And I fatigue, become stagnant, As the sword in your hand." Even in this dim premise of survival His prayer resounded clear and distinct A fitting response to the thunder’s fury. The wind, sensing Pilgrim's Terror, Unleashed intimidating gales, In thrashing strikes, Uproar to deafen God's reply. Yet God, wary to the ploy, Convened within the man; Empowered him with testaments Of former men of valor, honor; The Breath of God expanded The eager lungs of this Pilgrim; Wind, powerless to intervene, Retreats with bitter tail. Yet Nature did not surrender, In acute anger, it uprooted a nearby Tree to hurl it across his path, The next moment, The pilgrim Felt the impact, as the tree dislodged Him into the bushes. Blood poured out from his body Like a mad river, making him senseless. Next morning, the storm cleared up And Nature was in a jovial mood. With the death of the pilgrim Nature almost spoke out As if to say- “Mankind must learn to never go Against the will of nature.” But the Almighty loves to play With his children in different ways. Seeing Nature’s pride, He aroused The soul of the pilgrim. “Lord you’ve finally come, But I am weak to continue, Pain has claimed my faith, I failed you, my Lord, I failed you.” Then a faint voice spoke from within “No pain, no tears can conquer you How much harder they fall You are beyond all senses Learn this, feel this.” “Nature cannot oust you, For Nature evolved from you Not you from Nature.” Let fate send its horrors And clotted darkness Block the way, march On and on, and stop not till you Reach your goal.” I am always within you Fearless of death and my own shadow. Feel me within.” The sun, moon, and the stars They live in bonds, in bonds they die But you are free, You were always free.” As the voice disappeared The pilgrim slowly felt strength, Not physical, but shining from within. It was the soul, enthroned in majesty Ageless and deathless, devoid of feelings But still filling the nothingness With its knowledge,existence and bliss. The pain was there But it was trivial In place of the awakened soul. Gathering his stick, He rose, once again to continue his Journey, like the great ones Who unfolds their best.