Within the sleeping forests, amid the swaying boughs and cricketsong, the blade was still. Its edge gleamed in the splinters of moonlight that spilled from the treetops, the handiwork of an artisan long lost to history. It still seemed, however, that even the caress of the wind frayed along its silver cutting length.

He reached out, fingers grasping the woven handle. In that moment, his spirit entwined with that of the weapon, a bond that transcended words and even thought. It became truth against lies, hope against doubt. He pulled, the blade keening as it was swung out of the ground. He slashed again, trailing moonlight with each measured cut. The dance continued, sundering the air around him, yet he was silent. He turned, flourishing his blade before standing upright and, with calm poise, returned it to the scabbard. His breathing quickened, but he soon found ease as he looked to the sky. A perfect crescent moon greeted him, the visage of night, calm, and dreams. His robes and hakama fluttered in the wind as he closed his eyes, bowing his head.

"Come what may of the whispering storm, for thine soul is adamant and unrelenting. Find hope where there is doubt, seek strength where there is weakness. Know courage when there is fear, for nothing impedes an animus borne of a dream long chased." He intoned, opening his eyes. He took in the sounds around him, the sounds of life and motion. The world was always moving, time always went ever forward, yet he himself was still. He looked to his blade, holding it in reverence.

"I will not falter, not when my life is there before me."




Over the past few days, I've realized I've been hurting myself with all my overthinking and constant negative emotions, when I'm losing sight of the things that should give me hope. Even on my birthday, my first instinct is to doubt, but it shouldn't be that way. It's another year to my name, another sign that I'm moving forward, that I've lived to see another cycle with clear eyes and a hopeful heart. Yes, I doubt myself all the time, but I should more often realize what I've created, and the people that are proud of my accomplishments are more important than the ones who don't care or that I've offended in the past.

I need to move forward, which is why I'm heading to a game developer job fair in another state today. Perhaps it's one of the gifts to myself that I'm taking this opportunity. I pray that I'm shown fortune.


Until then, I'll see you starside.


JC