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

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  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

  ~