The Mechanics of Myth

I want to be Strider,
to bear a name out
of tongues wagging about form.
Deeds alone will make
the name that is not my own.

I want to be Strider,
to glitter a value not summed
by the weight of gold.
I call strength on right decision
and make good with a broken sword.

I want to be Strider,
to disappear into
the folds of a chant
and emerge in empty lands.
I see and I understand.
I touch and I know.
I walk and I have learned,
and the stories I read
build my yearning.

Because he was born
before myth was patented
by the Disney Corporation.
His mother was a language
and his father was a man,
and he was born before
men dreamed on screens,
before words were only spoken,
before mystery was swallowed by digits
and the earth disappeared in TV.

I want to be Strider.
I know a forest
and I know some paths
and one day maybe
you will find me winding
between dying trees
looking for home.