Every single person who had gathered in the square

stood in fear and silence as his story filled the air

mothers held their children close, their faces turning white

no one spoke a single word in sympathy or spite

Night was falling on the town and as the darkness came

the elder shook his head for things would never be the same

he passed a quiet week at home without a single guest

the town was shaken by the weight of what he had confessed

When finally he heard a knock upon his weathered door

he wondered if his happy life would last a little more

at the door he found his oldest friend within the town

the smiling girl he’d saved was now a woman with a frown

He welcomed her inside to sit and drink a cup of tea

but understood when she declined the offer quietly

she took a breath and looked at him with complicated eyes

and when she told him of the town he had to sympathise

“All of us owe countless debts of gratitude to you

to thank you for the things you’ve done, there’s little we can do

the words you spoke to stop our sons from chasing petty dreams

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we always knew your life had been much harder than it seems

And we all still believe that you’re a kind and gentle man

who never once would fail to help in any way he can

but who you are and who you were are hard to reconcile

and maybe it is best you just avoid us for a while”

She reassured the elder that nobody was to blame

but no one in the town would ever see him quite the same

the elder then retired alone to sit beside the fire

and wondered what his actions in the village would inspire

He’d been a part of that community for many years

working to protect them from all worries and all fears

he’d thought it might be more than he could bare to say goodbye

but now he found himself at peace, although he knew not why

He tidied up his house and packed a few essential things

nothing more than what an ordinary pilgrim brings

he left his house and realised a smile was on his face

maybe he’d enjoyed too many years in just one place

He left a little note behind to wish his friends the best

he’d only take the things he needs and give away the rest

without a sound he took a final look around the town

proud of what he’d built but happy not to settle down

Once upon a time he tired of being on the run

but all the same his sedentary life was clearly done

as he left the village without looking back he knew

he was truly free to walk the path he wanted to

Despite his age his every step was full of life and quick

after all, with healing powers, he was never sick

he didn’t fear the weather and his feet, they felt no pain

he smiled as he walked on beneath the sun, the snow, and rain

He walked along the roads he found without a second thought

smiling at the destiny his short retirement brought

he wandered through a town or two and stopped to say hello

and maybe spend a day or two, but then he’d quickly go

Travel for the sake of travel felt a little strange

he felt his sense of time and satisfaction start to change

every town he passed through felt a little more like home

but not as much as when he started once again to roam

~