Loving Life

Loving Life

I'd never seen the world the way he had
Never seen it at all
Yet he taught me what others were afraid to say

He told me one day
Stand straight
Tall
Mighty

Placed something on my arm
Asked me what I felt?
Tiny tentacles tenaciously traced and tickled my skin
It was a caterpillar

He told me
He is you
And you are a mountain, and there are many mountains.
Do you understand?

Yes, I said

Lean back your head
Open your mouth
Cup your hands in front of you

He slowly poured water into my mouth and told me

Don't swallow

Within my hands something was dropped
Frantic fluttering flesh floundered within

He said
It's a goldfish, what will you do?
Remember you are the mountain

Gently I bathed the minnow
My breath became his

The mountains feed the oceans
And the oceans feed us
Understand?

Yes, I said

Next he placed a rock in my hand
This I knew, but he asked

What is it?

I didn't understand

Is it
Gold
Silver
A diamond

His voice now cutting and impatient

I almost started to laugh
When I felt him grip my throat
Hardened heavy hands in harsh reproach

I was gasping
Heart pounding
Crying

Give me the rock
was all he demanded

I dropped it

How could you ...
Why'd you do that?
I screamed

I'm the mountain!

I am the mountain!

You said I was the mountain,
tears washed words sputtering from my lips

I
Am
Man

Do you understand?


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