On the lifetime of a hero

Before one transcends into myth and legend
one must live alongside others. There is
something about the hero living people cannot
tolerate. Only in death is sainthood
awarded. Until then the road to martyrdom
diverts through knee high mud,
low hanging branches, gutted holes and
sharp stones strategically placed.
Occasionally a sympathetic soul will
clear an easier path, but it is not long
before natives, wary of change, 
do what they can to sabotage and
distract: there is no final destination
reached in triumph, although the hope 
for respite under shaded oak near 
soft brook helps drive onward. Heroes,
contrary to popular opinion, do not
march forward on a specific quest but 
instead do everything they can to get
safely from point A to point B
without compromise.

me, a while ago