From Afar They Hail

Erik Masters

They come from a place we know yet cannot describe. Somewhere that is both familiar and yet unexplored. A void that we have filled with what we remember and yet remains empty. From Afar these memories call to us, beckoning to be remembered. For some, we answer, for others, we ignore. We may never truly understand what Afar is, but we will always know that it is elsewhere. A place that we have been and must travel to for the first time, lest we will lose our way. Such a place is Afar, and from this place, we remember.

I hear them now, calling me to bring them forth from Afar. Most I can barely make out, while others I can almost never ignore. They seem to randomly call, and a few assault me now. Even when I sleep the sleep of those who are tired of Awake, I can hear them. Only rarely does my mind quiet, only rarely can I enjoy an instant of peace.

From Afar they hail, and it is from Afar that I bring forth this memory to share with you, one of thousands waiting to be recalled, waiting to be joined by those I have yet to send Afar.

- The memory of Afar, a place only small children ever visit