Chiron,

who can be worthy

to hold healing’s key

without first being wounded?

the initiate must suffer

and walk that long road.

along that path,

there are many a straggler.

many 

who have given up the search

for some destination.

con artists 

litter the sidelines,

selling their poison as healing.

but there is a light,

there is a light in that distance,

should you choose to see it.

but it is a long road. 

it is a long road,

your body will ache, 

you will tire,

but it is love 

that suffers long,

it is love

that perseveres,

it is love alone

that guarantees safe passage.

you will take love’s hand—

she will not take away the ache,

but she will stroke your hair through it.

she will not cure your pain,

no, she will not erase your fear—

but she will sing to you through the night.

so walk that long road, 

and take love

as your companion.