Guard Of Travelers

Guard Of Travelers
© Surazeus
2024 11 25

Though I want to be the most beautiful 
and perfect being who exists in this world, 
I accept that my soul is flawed and frail, 
imperfect example of the ideal 
I wish to embody with divine glow 
that shines as beacon on the dark seashore. 

I want to be bright light on the dark shore 
which guides the lost to my sheltering door 
so they find warmth under roof of my care, 
relaxing by the safe hearth of my heart 
where they may feast on good food I prepare 
and drink healthy juice from my holy grail. 

When people travel on the seashore road, 
each traveler bearing some heavy load, 
I bid them stop and relax in strong shed 
one hour from heat of the sun overhead, 
giving them water as they lie in bed, 
then cheer them with joy as they forge ahead. 

While travelers lounge around the fire at night, 
I strum the lyre of Mercury just right 
to lead their souls soaring with dreamy flight 
as I recount tales of heroes who fight 
with graceful strength that awes us with delight 
so they rest secure till gleam of dawn light. 

When gangs of thieves with no respect for life 
surround good travelers with spear and knife, 
I race to defend them with righteous strife, 
securing freedom for both man and wife, 
for I protect the innocent and good 
who journey cautious in the dangerous wood. 

Bring to my marble temple on the hill 
your best animal as the sacrifice 
expressing loyalty of your free will, 
and I will roast it on the altar grill, 
sprinkling fresh steak with herbal sauce and spice 
so you may feast in peace where the gods dwell. 

That generous age that is now long lost 
I reigned in grand temple of Jupiter 
as guard of travelers and honest host 
who runs hotel, hospital, and night club 
in sanctuary haven for the ghost 
with attentive care to what you need most. 

Our globe is now cluttered with empire states 
that afford special citizenship rights 
to people who control the wealth through land, 
yet millions wander lost as refugees, 
pausing on mountain roads in the breeze 
where I can no longer guard them from harm.