There was an old man who stood on the corner bare
His eyes were kind, his face serene, he waited there
A youth some of ages past approached the crossroads
"Pardon, sir but I need to complete my journey."

The old man waited for he knew the young man was not yet done
"My map is decayed, I lost my way, which leads to purity?"
The old man merely smiled and silently pointed down one road
The youth took his answer as this was the assured way to go

Another youth, a maiden, of very fair hair had reached the crossroads bare
Her eyes were tired and her feet wore naught save the internal weight she carried
"Good mister. Please forgive me for asking but I seem to have lost my way.
Much to see but I really must be upon the path of purity."

The old man merely smiled and silently pointed down one road
The girl thanked him sincerely as she walked more clearly forward
The old man waited, he knew what happened before would again
Hours passed then a day then a week, at last he saw the young man

"You tricked me!" the young man cried out with pouring tears.
"I followed the road you pointed for many years!"
The old man waited for the young to vent and breathe
"Your mistake," he chided gently, "Is purity
Is more than destination. It is a journey."

Penned by my hand on the 20th of Scarlatan, in the year 918 AF.