Tethered to my wrist
A finely braided thread
Thoughtfully knotted seven times over
Saffron sleeves rippling gently and very widespread
A sign of unwavering strength
Amid chants foreign to my ear
And rituals unrecognizable
But to the soul endeared
I depart the temple
Sustained with new truths
Convinced my little red prayer string
Its exodus be commanded by the sole power of Zeus
Over the years with time marching on
Torrents of water and traction of clothes
Life’s daily routines
And other perils opposed
My little red prayer string frayed yet steel strong
Guides me in life’s conflict
Against a formidable foe
A well kept secret of the terminal crypt
With the prowess of a lion
And the stealth of a cat
The enemy came swiftly
The heart its attack
They call it the death rhythm
A dance few survive
Unannounced it stakes claim
No trace to derive
Then one day amid sunshine and warmth
My gaze drifting downward
Locks onto my wrist
A darkness so profound announcing something’s amiss
My little red prayer string
The guardian of my soul
Had left without fanfare
Its departure a message of its ultimate goal
Shivers of horror
My body quakes within
A wave of foreboding
Of what was to begin
Later than evening
On route to a chair
The enemy appeared swiftly
Sheer victory in the air
Blinded by light
And dropped at the knees
Slowly I rise
Dizzy, confounded, but yet full at ease
My little red prayer string had guided my way
All negatives absorbed
Leaving life without fear
Life’s purpose restored
“Godspeed my dear friend
Live well and with force
Until forever we meet
All things in due course”
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