As Ever Like the Sun & Moon at War

8- ❂ -III

Another thunderclap awakens him

from th'reverie of pity for himself,

and as the rain begins to patter down,

protagonist remembers one who lives.

Our Preacher walks the aisle, opens doors

and rounds the corner of the chapel, where

he says to Author: "If you'd like to come

inside you may. There's living space behind

the chapel with amenities in place

to get me started, so I would suppose.                10

I'll brew some tea and we could have a chat,

and give ye shelter from the coming rain."

The Author dothn't know quite what to say,

replying with: "It's best I don't impose,

for ev'ry way that I influence ye

is yet another may have not occurr'd

without my documenting what you do."

He waves a hand at this and says to her:

"Your manuscript is likely missing bits;

I would suggest an interview wherein                20

I'm able to explain what gaps there are,

the same as when we travell'd o'er the Sea."

With apprehension she agrees to this,

insisting, though, the chapel is as far

as she will go and where she'll wait for him

prepar'ng a pot of tea and bringing out

a tray with cups for them he places on

the pew on which she sits, between their seats

as also doth he join her on the bench.

He pours the steaming brew in both their cups                30

and once they're both prepar'd with steam to blow,

he gives permission for the interview's

commencing, whereat first she asks of him:

"I've seen so many sides of ye til now

and wonder t'which I'm speaking presently.

Is this the Pilgrim meek, the pacifist?

Or th'other whom I haven't found a name

to call, but who is clearly diff'rent from

the man who occupies your form by day?"

He frowns and pauses raising cup to lips                40

for but a moment ere he takes his sip.

"I'll once again remind ye as did ere

that always was I Pilgrim, but I see

the reason you would specify in ink

with diff'rent labels for my diff'rent sides."

She tilts her head at this and here replies: