Honor the Locket
By: Steve Goodenough
Naught but ten summers had passed
He grew as a child
He played as a child
He trained as a warrior.
In the darkness of the chamber
His mother intones ancient words
Is your heart open? Yes, open as the sky.
Is your soul ready? Yes, ready as the fire
Is your mind strong? Yes, strong as the mountain
Is your will wide? Yes, wide as the ocean
Kneel and receive blessings of the Goddess
Imbued with power to protect by the Goddess herself
Crafted in the fires of when Gods warred with Gods
I place upon thee this locket.
Born by your forbears into battles long since forgotten
It protected each from other clans
Watching over at your bloodline for ages
It was there when Celts dared oppose Romans
Hastings, the Magna Charta, Breeds Hill sold so dearly,
The shores of Tripoli - where no tribute would be paid
Gettysburg as thousands fell around him your ancestor fought through,
Grandfather carried it ashore on D Day,
One wore it close in the jungles of Vietnam,
Each returned to his mother's arms.
Your father wore this once.
He died saving another never knowing of your presence in my womb.
May the Goddess hold him near.
Ten more summers pass
You have honored the Goddess.
You dove into the ice filled river to save the stranger. You had not eleven winters.
I am of the water. I did what must be done.
In the hurricane you dodged falling trees to reach the child. You were not twelve.
I am of the air. I did what must be done.
You entered the burning home and lead a mother safely to her children’s arms. Thirteen years had not passed.
I am of the fire. I did what must be done.
You dug through the mud slide while your body bled and pull a family from the ground.
I am of the Earth. I did what must be done.
Through the seasons of your journey many more were spared. Each time you faded from the scene.
I am of the shadows. Glory was not my goal. Their gratitude was enough. I merely did what must be done.
Your nation needs you.
You journey forth to a fight which is not your own
So long as you honor the locket
So long as no child carries your name
So long as you do that which must be done
You will be safe from the ravens reach.
I am of the air. I shall soar above
Perhaps you shall my child.
Go now to your love and make your goodbyes
For you leave with the rising of the moon upon the Vernal Equinox seven days hence.
You shall return six seasons after with the rising of the sun.
Fear not the separation for she will be closer than you know.
A mother's fitful sleep half a world away
Ends as she feels eyes upon her son's patrol
Her mind screams a warning, the locket throbs her call
She hears the rifles blast.
Sees the flame it spits
He shoves a comrade to the ground
Takes the bullet meant for someone else
As the pain rips through his body he hears a far off baby cry
No, it can't be his. Goddess please,
A pillow muffles her cries as the sand soaks up the blood
A young mother holds her boy and feels something's wrong.
Back at base a call goes through
He listens to the laughter of his infant son
She is told of how a buddy took the hit meant for him
Awestruck medics stare as mortal wounds heal
A strange rune covered locket pulses upon his chest.
In a darkened chamber a mother once again thanks the Goddess.
© Copyright – Steve Goodenough 2009
