Soul - Tag - In a past life… https://archive.jtimothyking.com/tags/soul/ Soul - Tag - In a past life… Hugo -- gohugo.ioen-usThu, 10 May 2012 14:42:04 +0000 Tugat haNefesh https://archive.jtimothyking.com/2012/05/10/tugat-hanefesh/ Thu, 10 May 2012 14:42:04 +0000 J. Timothy King https://archive.jtimothyking.com/2012/05/10/tugat-hanefesh/ This way-more-abstractly-metaphorical-than-I-usually-write story was inspired by one of the exercises in Holly Lisle’s “How to Beat Writer’s Block.” She calls him her “muse”; I call her my very life-breath.

My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:28)

Flashlight in hand, I progress slowly down each step, toward the dungeon in which I keep my soul. Repeating drops of condensation drip, drip, drip and echo off the cold, dead walls. The scent of urine and defecation permeates the air, and intermingles with a poison must.

I loathe this place, which reeks of hell and depression.

I approach the cage. My keys rattle against the thick, steel slats, as I wrestle with the heavy padlock.

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