The Golden White Chariot.

His chariot shined and glided around the bend as his memory followed slowly behind.

December's bitter cold couldn't hold down smiles as the vessel came to a standstill and his next of kin surrounded it.

Saturday's black night had reverberated stories of laughter and also pierced chests that had been burdened by grief.

His spirit had passed and the fellow charioteers assembled in a gesture of remembrance.

Each peer had knelt their Lions in complete silence as hundreds of breaths rose upward.

And in a great movement, each Feline roared into the heavens to echo the presence he had on this earth.

The Golden White Chariot stepped off and led in front but drew more than just dust from behind.

Just like it's own valiant beast, it drew those who had united in his celebration.

Every lion roared as they fell into His chariot's tracks.

Their destination was where he was called and it would be there where part of his honor remained.

And in a fleeting exhale, The Golden White Chariot rolled out of sight.

made it through

this moment. the happiness i feel
real.
genuine,
sincere.

moments like these,
rendering all the sacrifices worth it
struggles to hold on, versus giving it all up

i quiet the impulse that claims i don't deserve this
because i've always yearned to be happy

in the past a heavy heart i've carried
unaware of how to care for my wounds
unable to escape the vicious cycle
imprisoned by lack of principle
believing there was no where else to go

"thank you", my heart exclaims
because i know this feeling
the feeling opposite of my experiences in whole
unfamiliar yet powerful
fear-inducing and inspiring

i tear down the walls i've built to guard myself
and i am terrified, afraid.
i find myself getting in my own way.
but what good is there in being helpless?

faith turns each of these weaknesses away.