heavy is the burden

The man rolled up the letter and sighed.

He made ready his tools of writing and began to pen his response.

     I thank you for the honor of your challenge
     I cannot accept until I cherish this privilege in mind, body, and spirit.

     Tell me of your triumphs so I may celebrate you.
     Tell me of your woes so I may grieve you.

     Join me in food, song, and dance so I may rest with you.
     Join me on the long and winding road so I may toil with you.

     Name your lands, your holdings, and your descendants so I may dream with you.
     Name your hallowed grounds, your rites, and your ancestors so I may pray with you.

     In these ways I will know I honor your life as I end it by my blade.
     In these ways I will know I carry you with me, forevermore.

The man folded his hands in his lap as he waited for the ink to dry.

He bound it in twine, sealed it with the mark of his house, and called for the crow.

—two march twothousandtwentyfive