Ocarina

A small clay ocarina that fits in the palm of one’s hand.
A modest instrument, little more than a few holes
and a roughly shaped mouthpiece.

When breath is blown into it,
a clear and slender tone flows forth.
The sound does not travel far,
yet it lingers long within the memory of those who hear it.

It is said that long ago,
this instrument was used by a warrior
whose name has been lost to time.
He overcame countless trials with sword and shield in hand,
yet even after the battles had ended,
this small instrument was the one thing
he never released from his grasp.

According to legend,
with this sound he opened paths,
with this sound he called forth companions,
and with this sound he found the courage
to begin anew.
What he sought to protect, however,
and whether he succeeded in doing so,
is known to no one.

All that remains now
is the instrument itself,
and the indescribable longing
shared by all who hear its melody.