<<>>
I am very pleased with this piece.  Within each of us is a powerful spirit,
something that helps shape who we are and where we're going.  These things,
and others, were on my mind as I wrote this one...    ;>

               The Spirit of Man

     They say you cannot live in the past
     Only cling to that which remains
     But I have walked the ages of history
     Under many different names

     Through our world of what once was
     I have stood tall and bled and cried
     I have crawled, dying on my hands and knees
     Only to wake again from the sleep

     I was there when Myth Drannor did fall
     When other powers rose in its place
     I have seen armies of thousands crash together
     And those of suspect burn at the stake

     I have closed the gates and sounded the horn
     And galloped wildly through the sleepy town
     I have seen knights battle with steel and will
     And mourning barbarians complete a mound

     I have sailed and searched the deep blue seas
     Under a beating sun, explored lost ruins
     Labored on castles and weapons to please
     And raised a scepter for ceremonies to begin

     I have stood on guard as my queens were born
     And fled as the town was set ablaze
     Tolled the bells and spoken the prayers
     Travelled through the sands for a hundred days

     I have scratched what I saw into the cave wall
     And lived under the boot of tyranny
     I have rose triumphant as my enemies fell
     And studied with the men of the monastery

     I have painted scenes in the palace of Silverymoon
     And ploughed the rock hard earth in the heat
     I have thirsted for days and starved and wanted
     Fought for my life and begged for peace

     These things are mine and so much more
     I am so many rolled into one
     The human spirit has seen much and traveled far
     But my journey has just begun.

By Morngrym Verigost
   Knight-Errant
   Bard of KORT!