The Hidden Garden

Just a moments thought

As the water flows calmly over the mountainside into the basin below. Across the gravel bottom out into the distance valley. A lonely pair of bare-feet stand at the waters edge on the sandy shore. An old, gray-haired man with a long flowing beard carrying a sad look on his face. Steadily stares as the water flow’s by. The only sounds to be heard are the ripples of water. He is so deep in thought. He never notices the sound of leather sandals walk across the gravel to the rivers edge and stop behind him. "Father," the voice strong and masculine reaches out in a soft tone. The older, gray-haired gentleman looks towards the voice, "Yes, my son?" "Why, Must you put yourself through this over and over again?" The older Gentleman turned, facing back toward the basin. Gazing at the large Oak trees and Weeping Willows that lined the banks. He revel’s in the colors so beautiful. How the brown and greens flowed into each other as they became one. Slowly gazing up at the sky he began to speak softly never taking his eyes off the infinite beauty."My son, I still do not know what to do with this. Do I destroy it or allow it to live as I have for centuries untouched by anything except nature? Which is the only thing that is true to me. It has never tried to kill my existence, disobey or destroy my name." The young man puts his hand on the older gentleman’s shoulder in a gesture of love, "Father, why do you love them so much?" Turning back toward the young man, he replies "Michael, they are my greatest creation, my greatest work of art, and they are my children. I know one day they will learn the lessons life has to offer. I gave them freedom to make their own choices. Through each mistake they make, some will learn and then," as he waves his hand over the water's edge, "I will welcome them home to the Garden of Eden. The animals, fish, birds, and all the things that made this once so uniquely beautiful will be welcome back as well. I feel I must allow it to exist." The young man, smiles gently while gazing over the basin for a vast look reminiscing in the extraordinary beauty that once was. After a moment in thought the young man begins to smile and says, “Then Father I will wait with you for this great day if it takes an
eternity." The older Gentleman turns with a gentle smile and motions with his hand to the younger man to walk with him toward’s the trail that leads deep into the forest. They walk silently towards the woods and disappear. Leaving just the sounds of water running through the basin and footprints in the sand.

AngelLesa
12-25-05
 

Reviews

[Mr. Misanthrope]

A beautiful story. It reminds me of something Virginia Woolf would have written, combining nature with her own thoughts.
I am a great believer in nature and gardens, especially if they're wild and unkept. I hate the new modern houses that are being built nowadays with not even an ounce of greenery in or around the building. It's horrible.
Greenery adds inspiration, especially if the writer tries to capture the beauty of nature, as you have done here.

Well done!

P.S.: I love that line about weeping willows. They're my favourite type of trees.