Acceptance

I sit down by the dark river
of letting go.
Old friends that we are, it's been a while.
It is time to release another part of my self.

I sit on the banks, as I watch them come;
the people who seek the cessation of pain.
The gods themselves, seeking protection.
Nothing ever changes, by the dark river.

Another old friend passes me by,
he lifts his hand in greeting,
showing me two silver coins.
The passenger looks at me with my own eyes.

Still, I sit by the dark river.
Nothing lives here.
Nothing leaves here.
I sit and wait.

He ferries them across,
one by one,
my traitorous memories,
my traitorous past.

I consider stepping inside.
One way or another, this will go away.
My divine soul, protected against all harm,
or my mortal heart, stopped cold.

Fifteen times,
the ferryman crosses over.
Fifteen times,
times two coins.

He stops before me.
He offers me a ride.
I will not pay his toll.
I've already paid it in full.

I rise.
The deed is done.
I have cast the hurt away.
I turn, smiling,
ready to face you once more.

This piece, as all others, is dedicated with love to @mamadini. I would like to thank the kind people at the Isle of Write community for giving me feedback on this piece, that is quite different from the last few I have published.

Image source. The image used depicts the Jewish practice of "Kaparot" (Literally "Atonement"), as part of Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement. I actually wished to find a good image for the Jewish practice of "Tashlich," (Literally "Cast off", as a command) where on the New Year, observant Jews throw breadcrumbs to a body of river as a symbolic gesture of letting go of their sins, but no such image of good quality was to be found.

Check out my latest pieces:

And Also the Moon - A poem.
Looking Xenophobia and Nationalism in the Face
The Mute Poet - A poem.

art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics