The Cave

As I gazed into the depths of the abyss I quickly realized that it was being reciprocated .
Something was staring back at me from the depths of the cavern. I could hear the wind echoing
from the cave. It was alone. There was no solace to be found on the jagged edges of the
cavern. Was it hungry? Maybe throwing me into the chasm below would quell its howling. Today
is not the day I fall to my doom. I edge closer to the entrance. What has led me back here? I
thought to myself. A pitch black cavern was all it was, but it had all the allure of the gods
themselves! Surely the wind mustve caught on, for it now bellowed at me from further within the
cave. Welcome it seemed to howl. I wasnt one to argue with the forces of nature so I crept
nearer to the entrance. My foot crossed the shadowy threshold and I could swear that part of my
soul fled with it. Halve my body was completely enveloped. My vision began to fade. Hades! I
have no qualms with you! I shouted, my body seemingly advancing on its own, If mine own
curiosity has angered you! Then I pray you rip it from my being! My words held no jury, and as
my eyes became dark, the steps I had taken now seemed centuries ago. It became apparent
the once harsh light was now a world away. My hands scoured the darkness hoping for some
familiarity. A demon wouldve surely brought solace, for I wouldve been in the underworld, my
thread surely dismantled by The Moirai 1 . Kharete?2 I said aloud, casting away all thought of
fear in gamble for serenity. It was a word that I was certain led to an engagement of some sort.
Sometimes I could hear it being said from high above. The Gods never liked to be heard, but I
could often catch the sound falling from Olympus. I continued to stumble forward, my hand
grasping at nothing, my eyes darting for some perceivable reconciliation. I could feel a heartbeat
familiar to my own through the cavern walls. My eyes lusted for the sight we had both grown
accustomed to. My gaze stumbled on a miniscule glow in the distance. What began as a
hobble, rapidly evolved into that of a beastly sprint, and the distance finally closed. A single row.

Entities shackled by their necks and legs. A pair of shackles in the middle of the row lay bare on
the floor . The shadows danced around their fallen comrade. Kharete!? I yelled dropping
beside the first. Had I been the only one to hear the voice of Olympus? I grabbed the nearest
stone and broke the chains. Kharete! I said, praying for them to follow me. We came upon the
entrance quicker than my journey into the depths. My eyes gazed upon the great light in the sky.
Its warmth welcoming me back into the living. Kharete! I said eagerly, already accepting my
role as leader. Contrary to my hopes, the row was still seeking refuge amongst the shadows. I
motioned for them to leave, but still they remained hesitant! Kharete! I yelled, grabbing the
hand of the first one. The entity screamed, influencing the mass to exit the cave. I had finally
found my purpose. Or so I thought. I soon found myself falling off the cliff and into the chasm
beneath. I heard them run back into the cave the same as I did. I saw them hunger for the light,
yet to them it didnt bestow salvation, for it was more means of indignation. A bittersweet
ambrosia they would resentfully bathe in if it meant eternal complacence. I heard the shackles
rustle as they all fervently realigned the lost lovers. The cave echoes in exuberance at the first
sound its heard in ages. I can see the lonely pair of shackles still aching for a lover. The
shadows teasing it for all the other dancers have found their partners. I felt my legs burn with a
wanting for companionship. I rubbed my neck, running my fingers through the impression still
left upon my skin, the grooves ever so profound in the face of realization.

The Moirai 1 : The Three Fates

Kharete2 : Greek word for hello. (Keer-a-tay)