In power we entrust the love advocated

Posted on Sun Nov 24th, 2024 @ 15:06 by Alastair Temple

Chapter: Besieged
Location: The brigde outside Avalon
706 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

It wasn't that he went out every day to sing a song of protest against the oppression and an appeal for sympathy and love, but it happened often enough that it wasn't a surprise anymore when he did. This time he didn't bring his folding chair with him, all he had brought was his guitar. The reason being that the song he was planning was a bit more complex in its melodies and chord progressions, the harmonies a bit more demanding, the lyrics a bit more complicated. He also knew his own vocal range, lower baritone, without the training to reach some of the notes this song asked for. Truth be told he didn't consider himself a singer to begin with. Sure, he could carry a tune if needed and knew the basic techniques to ensure it sounded decent, but it was going to be a bit of a challenge to give this particular piece the performance it deserved.

So he stood near the edge of the castle grounds, on the bridge, acoustic guitar ready. Behind him some students stood, watching. Listening. They'd seen and heard the music teacher do this twice before, and were curious to what he was going to do now. Before him, one of the guards hurried inside to warn some of the others to come listen, as 'that guy with the guitar' was there again. Maybe the meaning of the words Alastair chose each time he came out here was lost on them. Maybe it wasn't. But a part of him was glad that, by now, they at least took it seriously enough as a performance to come listen, as Al strummed a descending chord progression, opening his eyes, staring straight at the guards as his warm, rich baritone rang out.

"Sail on silver wings, through this storm what fortune love may bring back to my arms again, the love of a former golden age," The words were pensive, the song somewhat obscure - a far cry from the chart topping hits that he'd sang before, but no less impactful. "I am disabled by fears concerning which course to take, for now that wheels are turning I find my faith deserting me,"

The words cut deep, speaking of a long gone era of love and peace, a golden age, now but a memory. Words, from a man confronted by fears and doubts about which path to take, unsure if faith and hope will be strong enough to carry him through the darkness ahead. Behind him, the sun set, Alastair only lit by the spotlights from the blockade.

"This night is filled with the cries of dispossessed children in search of paradise, a sign of unresolved ambition drives the pinwheel on and on," The dispossessed children behind him, behind the castle gate, hoping against hope for an ideal world to live in. The pinwheel, symbolic of both childhood innocence and the relentless turning of the wheel of time, is driven by unresolved ambition, the lust for power and control that the ruling class was chasing. "I am disabled by fears concerning which course to take when memory bears witness to the innocents consumed in dying rage," The anger deep inside him, born out of frustration and powerlessness, the anger seething in the students, the children behind him, out of disbelief - why them? What had they done to deserve this?

That repeating descending chord progression and harmony again, as he vocalized, hummed over the guitar, adding another layer to the haunting sound, before reaching the final part of the song. "The way lies through our love, there can be no other means to the end, or keys to my heart, you will never find. You'll never find ..." The meaning was clear. Only through love could anyone reach his heart; the children's hearts. There was no other way, no other key you could find.

The final instrumental part of the song. That repeated pattern, changed up, a slight note of hopeful harmonics amidst the descending chords. Slowing down, then ... silence. And once more the man turned around and started his way back towards the castle gates, disappearing into the darkness as he went.