The Ridge 2021-08-23 *** It's been too long since I've haunted here, too long since the flood, too long since I've buried myself, cursing the hallowed sun. Another day, another pain, another reminder why I should restrain this desperate yearning to be at your side. I can't control myself, you insist, can't care for myself, can't abide by a single plea: *wait for me until the war is done.* But how can I stay inert at the sidelines? How can I watch, patient, as you struggle for life? I keep looking at your face. I keep looking into your eyes, into the depravity void of grace, the sweaty sleepless nights, the frights that dance between the stone space of your skull. Little said, but oft reply in hopes this boat crosses Imaginai, the fierce rivers, the gaudy veil that I would without a pause assail if it meant bringing closer by one more day Eris' death, the shatter of masks, our withdrawal for some time into this world I've somehow made without Seliph's curse, without my sacrifice. How many times have you asked what I would do once that day passed? How long 'til I set down this crown, bade job goodbye, convince parents and friends that, although I disappear, I'm off to a place where I'll be alright? Don't come looking for me, don't waste your "precious" fruitless time. Your daughter was a sinner, passionate, iniquitous, desiring, delirious, divine. It's been too long since I've haunted here, since I've had to justify my right to survive. ** CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (c) Vane Vander