One day I took a stroll down a path I noticed that led into the forest behind my house. The trees were green and their limbs swayed in the gentle breeze. I paused to soak up the beauty and felt shafts of light strike my body. It was a good day for a stroll. As I walked, the path made its way past old and young trees, winding this way and that. I wondered where it would lead me and if I should turn back. The warm afternoon sun was setting and the shadows began to play their tricks on me. Shapes and all sorts of things would appear and then just as suddenly be gone. I wasn’t the type to get frightened easily and let the shadows play with my mind. It might have been my imagination but I think I had left that behind. As the forest grew denser and the path became harder to see, I felt a touch on my shoulder and realized it was just a tree.
Off in the distance I could see a glint of light. A sliver of some destination quivered in the wavering branches. I was determined to find that place and discovered the path I had been following was no where in sight. I turned to look from where I began but all I saw were trees and their limbs low with the fruit of their work. As usual I had not prepared myself for this afternoon jaunt and now wondered if I was lost. The glint in the distance seemed to be the best hope for a journeys end for this night. It was getting cooler and the shadows were long gone. The darkness was heavy and it pressed on me holding my feet to the ground. I stumbled a few times and nearly fell into a ravine. I didn’t even have a flashlight. Take a note I told myself, next time bring along a light.
Time seemed to stand still or maybe I was standing still. The glint seemed just as far now as it was when I first noticed it. Determined I pressed onward, hands out to ensure I didn’t run into anything. I could feel the ground moving as I walked, maybe it was sand or some sort of living thing I was walking on. I decided not to touch the ground to find out. Ignorance would be better I thought. Eventually I came into a clearing. I could see the moon with is ghastly pale glow behind some clouds. The clearing seemed huge but maybe that was just blind hope. I noticed the glint of light still shone and felt I must be getting close.
Once I passed the stream I found myself surrounded by thorny vines. Each step took its toll. Ripping my clothes and tearing at my flesh. I was now so far into the stuff I couldn’t imagine turning back and plunged forward like some drunk, weaving and stumbling and lurching into the vines. It was beyond me why I thought a stroll would be so nice on a sunny day. I could have stayed in my place and merely imagined what lay beyond the forests edge. Instead here I was, tired, lost, alone, and feeling pain from thorns that were just doing their best. I finally came to the end of their dominance and found myself in another clearing. Perhaps it was the same clearing, I forgot to look up when I was in the midst of the thorns.
Even the moon now had reached the end of its time. The utter darkness of the place made me feel a bit uneasy. There were stars in the sky but they were so far away and did little to light my way. The glint seemed still so far. It did seem brighter and that gave me some incentive to continue to press on. It was when I ran into the rock that I began to wonder what was going on. My head was bruised and my usually tranquil mood was now in shambles. I gather my wits and wondered if there was any reason to continue. The rock was enormous and I would have to climb over it to proceed. I could not see the glint and would have to trust that it was still there, just hidden by this rock.
I never was much for dilly dallying and proceeded to scale the rock. I slipped a few times and even had to start over once but persistence paid off and I made it to the top. I was relieved to still see the glint and it was certainly closer than before. With renewed hope and deepening conviction I continued and nearly killed myself when I fell off the rocks ledge. now not only did my head hurt, it seemed every bone in my body was complaining. Just a stroll I reminded myself, it was just a stroll and nothing else. I looked up and saw the glint of light. looking as if it was just hanging in some nearby trees.I worked my way closer and closer. It was not too difficult to move rather it seemed as though the glint was moving. I gathered the last of my strength and ran forward. To say I was surprised was an understatement. I was beyond surprise. I had in my rush knocked the glint to the ground. Well, not exactly, I knocked a creature down. He or she was wearing tattered clothes and was a bit worn and old with a glint of light in their one open eye. I helped him/her up and apologized for my rush and tackle. He or she looked at me and thanked me for coming. You have made the journey of a lifetime to arrive here. Now it is your turn for I am tired and want to go home. I was curious about that then it dawned on me. I must have died while on my way and now it was my turn to hold the light in my eye for those who might seek a way through the darkest night of their lives. Enlightenment was made for us to be the light for others.
The Stroll
Sometimes the journey we take leads us to places that can only be described once we arrive.