Realm of the Beast.

Taken from the recollections of James Poland...

“ The theory of reincarnation is not a new train of thought by any means. The Ancients believed that the soul moved ever onward through time, occupying the outer shell of a human body for a set period on the everlasting wheel of time. Imagine the memories and experiences one could harvest if the human mind could remember past lives and adventures. The love, wisdom and knowledge would be immeasurable – on the negative side, so would the greed, evil corruption and malice that makes up so much of man’s character. If only we could remember our past lives – if only… Ha! Some of us can – let me tell you a tale you may not believe…”

I was not always called James Poland as I am known today.
I have lived many secret lives, in many ages, in many lands. I have loved in Scotland, Ireland and France, fought in Africa, Russia and roamed free in lands - long since swallowed by the shifting sands of the aged Earth.
During My journeys I have seen empires rise and fall, religions and cults become all- powerful then wither and die.
Thankfully all my lives don’t occupy my memory at once.
Some lives I have forgotten, some just lie dormant until triggered by an experience or event - then the waves of the past ebb to the surface of my consciousness.
As I lie in my bed, with the night sounds of surrounding Manchester, echoing around my newly acquired two bed roomed flat (in a highly desirable and up and coming area – according to the estate agent that recommended it) sleep eludes me.
My past selves seem to jostle for first place in my memory.
People and places flash through my mind for brief moments, like a giant roulette wheel of lives and ages.
Slowly one of the images takes hold of my psyche and I drift away from this world of high- speed motorways and computer based businesses to an age almost lost and forgotten.
Then I, James Poland am lost too for a time, in a swirling maelstrom of memory…