I asked him,
my eyes full of wonder
at this thought.
He smiled and it was then
I noticed he was holding
a small golden chalice.
He held it out to me
and said, ‘Drink this. It will heal
the wounds of your long travels.’
I flinched at his words.
My travels, which involved my mother.
My mother who was no longer here.
But my thirst overcame me.
Any thoughts were removed
by the delicious scent.
I reached out and lifted the chalice to my lips,
and the sweet, immortal nectar
filled everything wounded within me.
It tasted like honey and home.
It tasted of life and lavender.
Instantly, the voices from the water
disappeared and my head cleared.
I was able to stand
on my own two feet.
I handed Charon the empty chalice
and wiped my mouth
with the back of my hand.
‘Thank you,’
I said quietly,
but even as I did,
