Picture Poem Entry 17

KNOWING

Deep Breath In

I want to be stronger, teacher!

Deep Breath Out

Patience, Janus. Strength is but an illusion. Your real power is your mind.

Deep Breath In

Same thing!

Deep Breath Out

Nonsense! If you are to control your power, you must train the mind to overcome.

Deep Breath In

Overcome what?

Deep Breath Out

Yourself... Enter the void...

-----

"Do you know who I am?"

"No, I don't."

"Do you know why I'm here?"

"I don't."

"Or maybe, the better question is: Who are you?"

"I- I don't know."

"What is your name?"

"J-Janus!"

"So you know who you are!"

"No, I don't. A name is just a label, nothing more."

"Then what lies beneath your surface?"

"That remains to be seen."

"For how long?"

"As long as it takes."

"Do you have dreams?"

"Dream? I don't understand."

"Something you strive for; A goal!"

"I don't know."

"W-What do you know?!"

"I don't know what I know, I just am."

"How is that possible?"

"How it possible? How could I possibly know what I want when I can't understand myself?"

"Truth you think, lies you tell."

"Excuse me!"

"You understand yourself full well! You just can't cope with your flaws."

"...Y-You don't know that!"

"You've already told me more than you know."

"..."

"First, despite what you've said you know who and what you are."

"..."

"Second, you parade on, pretending your truly broken and that you know not you want to achieve... even though it is very clear."

"What is it then?"

"You are afraid of failure and desire success. That is why you fear me."

"And just what are you?!"

"I am the unknown, your past, present, and looming future. So to answer your question I am life itself."

"Xenitus..."

"God of life and all experiences."

"..."

"My work here is done. I shall take my leave, Janus."

"..."

"Just know.. I'm always here."

"In rich and poor..."

"Sickness and health."

"Life and... death..."

"Goodbye, Janus. I hope you've learned."

"..."

"Now... awaken reborn... and live!"

It was dark out when I opened my eyes, the twins staring back at me.