Lands that stretched on forever. Skies one could drown in. The heartbeat of nature, silent yet strong.

And amidst it all a people. Beacons of light and life. Laughter that warmed my heart like naught else before.

They are my meaning and my purpose. My love.

In spite of...or perhaps because of this, I choose to believe.

In mankind's potential. In his ability to find a way forward.

So let there be no way back. From that temptation I sunder us.

No more shall man have wings to bear him to paradise.
Henceforth, he shall walk.