Tree of Life

Short story about the love and devotion of our Father.

    In the night I can hear the sounds that bring me fear rather it be the owl’s howl or scurrying creatures off in the distance. I sit beneath the rustling limbs and there is nothing to protect me from the winds that howl in the distance. I feel the dry and dusty earth coarsely brush my as those winds danced by. I am lonely and afraid. I feel the depths of my soul as my heart begins to fall into the mire of life. I thirst and there seems to nothing which can quench me in these hours. I gather myself from amongst the roots of the tree; I hear free flowing waters in my ear.

 

    From aside me I saw a pool of fresh water as my mind fills with the thoughts of quenching my desire. I slowly walk across the exposed roots and kneel before the pool of life. Cupping my hands I gather a swallow and raise it to my lips. I fill my mouth with the taste of life’s bitterness. I spit it from my body. My eyes begin to fill with tears as I fall upon my knees and rest my head in the water. I am unable to free myself so I know death shall be inevitable.  Gradually I feel the waters rising and all I  can do is sit here and think of the things that I can’t change.

I feel the water cover my nose and I can do nothing for I am paralyzed with fear. Let me gather my thoughts for I know my life is coming to an end…

    Lightning cracks through the ebony sky as thunder calls for this man’s soul. I stand here, over him and watch as he lifelessly floats upon the water. I can’t leave him where he is. I don’t want to leave him exposed to these elements. I walk to him and gather his body. I will let him rest here beside me underneath the willow while the storm passes.

    I can feel the pitter patters of raindrops on the skin as I stare endlessly at the sky. I will to lament for this man yet all I feel is the fear of the unknown.  There he rest weary and lifeless from the journey that he has made. I feel the intensity gathering about me as the charges fly above my head. Each crackling lingers for moments in my head.

    I willed for him to be made whole and desired for him to be numb. I asked for his heart and all he gave me was broken promises. Here he rest in my hands alone and in fear, with only me to rescue him one last time. I lean over his face and peer deep into those eyes. I know the sting of death has consumed him. I feel the nothingness in his heart.  With a deep breath I inhale and exhale into his mouth the breath of life.

 

I suppose you may wonder where is that man, today? I guess you may wish to know who he was. The answer is simple it was you. It was you whom are reading this as well as the man who is writing.