Shadowlands

I alone tread this path
A dark path that few undertake
With what is left of me
Towards the wastelands where the shadows lie

Though I seek shelter
But I can find none
I drank the last drop of my water
And stride forward to the barren realm

As I step my foot unto the land
The dreary soil seems to welcome me
Although I am offered no comfort
I felt this joy within me*

As I continue deep within the land
A chilling breeze embraced my arrival
I wrapped myself with my ragged cloth
To warm my journey-wearied body**

I ventured further into the unknown
Where no being dared to venture
The heart of shadows, den of uncertainty
Pit of those who are lost, and realm of Illusions

Now I stand at this empty space
Then removed my ragged cloak
And I opened my arms wide and waited
As I waited, I saw it then smiled

(Author’s Notes: the phrase marked with * was originally “I felt a joy inside me” and the phrase marked with ** was originally written as “To warm my journey-worn body”)