Twenty years is much too long,

To give reply to you.
You've posted very valid points,
And I plan to see you through.

I never claimed that I was wise,
But as you've mentioned it.
Nay, I'm not as old as some,
Nor have I as many bit.

Wisdom may come in age,
But it comes in experiences too.
And those I find I have no lack of,
They come with all I do.

You seem so eager to judge us,
All because we've changed.
But judgement from outside the guild,
Will turn out all deranged.

Until you walk our path,
And see things through our eyes,
Your opinion of us will always lack,
As well as anyone else's tries.

One thing I feel must be said:
We never tried to judge you.
But when we choose how to live unlife,
What do you decide to do?

All who see things as we do,
Feel ritualistic joy.
I find it's enough compensation for
Our loss of mortal toys.

Your poem attacked me personally,
As if I've never felt pain.
All I have to say to that
Is that I have - for another's gain.

I respect your talent greatly-
I hope that it does show.
But I don't think it's your place to judge,
And I wanted to let you know.

Hemic Pupil Lenie Ai'zien

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Arios, in the year 139 MA.