A Healer's Mind

He came to my village on a warm spring day and claimed
To be the illustrious mage Leopold. We didn't believe this
Scrawny, balding man could be powerful. He told me
I have a great and divine magical force, a power that will make
Me as rich and famous as he. This magic took me from my home,
The only place I have ever known. I left my family for the city,
A dark and dank haven for corruption and crime.

He tells me I have to learn, but I sit here without the will
To try. Leopold thinks power and fame are great, but I cannot see
Why it is such a marvelous ability. Why do I try to light a fire
When a match will be easier? Why should I read the weather
When I can look at the sky? He is frustrated with me and my lack
Of desire. He does not understand me! I had to escape.
I ran out of the room, tears streaming down my face.

There was only one place to give me the solace I needed; an orphanage,
Filled with deprived children, living without love. This was a place where
I was able to help. I rocked a sweet baby, the little Margarite. Peacefully,
She slept in my arms without a thought. She didn't understand,
But I told her of my woes. "This is the place in the city where I am useful.
Leopold makes me feel so ignorant, like some silly simpleton."

Leopold stood right behind me, hearing the words
He had never suspected. Finally my teacher looked deep into
My eyes and told me the words I wanted to hear: "I thought you knew.
When you have learned all I have to teach you, help the children you will.
Your unique magical ability lies in the gift of healing these children."
We returned to his workshop, where I renewed and doubled my efforts.
I gave my work all my attention and learned all he knew.

Many, many long days later I was finally ready. I returned
To the orphanage with Leopold's blessing. I became the healer
Of the poor innocent children. I burned away their fever, soothed
Their coughs. I rejoiced with the power. This magic can satisfy my need
To help these children; I can heal when no one else bothers. My strange,
golden power flows swiftly into their skin, healing all their woes. I cannot give
Them a family, but they have a chance to live a new and healthy life.