Stagnant

German moats are so large that it is hard to believe that there might have been stagnant water in them. If a man stands by the wall, his head would barely reach the first ledge... if he were about 5'10".

In the days of this moat, a soldier would have been a Viking to be that tall. During the times of moats, raiders would be caught in these giant moats, while the archers and soldiers would kill them. Maybe some of these trees were the great-grandchildren of trees who heard the violent screams of fighting and dying men.

In the stagnant corners of these old castles, smells of green and must assault the nose. If I listen closely, I can hear the ghosts echo through the thick walls and corridors.

When I went to Denmark, I walked through castles very similar to this one. I felt the ghosts greet me in the personal castles of kings. I knew that I was welcomed as one of the family.

When I heard that the greatest nobles belonged to the order of the Elephant, I felt a warm pride settle into my bones.

"Elephants??? Elephants???" other tourists said in disbelief. "Why elephants? There are no elephants in Denmark." Oh I knew the answer. Elephants are big, loyal, and protective. I could see my ancestors pick elephants for an order with a main purpose of protecting their homeland. I smile.



Weekly Anamnesis