The Well

Once, I thought I was inspired by fantasy,

Stories, epics, crafted by Tolkien, Lewis, and Martin.

I used to believe that these were the foundations on which my world was built,

That I was striving to be Frodo.

These characters, worlds, and adventures do have their place

 But I see clearly now,

That while my fantasy heroes have a forever home in my soul,

They are not a necessity.

I am able to draw inspiration from the world around me because it so elegantly parallels the artificial beauty of my beloved fantasy stories.

I realize now why I love them so dearly.

They are spitting images of our world, every bit as awe-inspiring as our Earthly forests, skies, and rivers.

I see myself, ourselves, humanity, in those stories,

The world around us reminds me that every living being on Earth has the capacity to be a hero, if not always in the way we expect.

That is the well from which my inspiration springs.