In Speaking

And the old man

In speaking to his son's son

Said,

"Have you ever heard me mention'

how it use to be,

so many years ago.

There were trees in the valleys,

fish in the streams.

The forests were full of animals

and birds filled the air.

It seemed like I just turned around,

suddenly, they were not there."

And the young boy

Looked up at the old man

Whose face showed the passing of time

But whose eyes were still young

And he said,

"I've often heard them talk about

The people who used to be.

They called them kings and queens,

but were they any different from you and me?

They were suppose to be great,

but in the final call,

they lost their immortality,

they died one and all."

The young boy paused,

And stared into space

Then back into the face of the old man

Asking,

"Tell me, Sir.

What is it like to die?

Have you known anyone who has?"

A tear rolled down the old man's cheek

And he said,

"You know we now live forever

and we will never die.

The world is void of emotions,

no one ever cries.

And no one laughs anymore.

And no one loves.

But, I remember love.

Oh, I remember love."

The young boy looked at the old man

Puzzled.

"What is wrong sir?

Why is your face wet?

And what were those words you mentioned?

Their meaning I don't get.

What is it to cry?

What is it to love?"

The old man looked down at the young boy

He felt so sorry for him

As he had felt sorry for the young boy's father

They had to grow up in a world

Where people are programmed

Not to have feelings

Where children are born

Not of love

But of necessity

Where death was a pleasure

A way out of a world that would otherwise

Become your eternal prison

He forced a painful smile

"Someday when you are older,

you may understand."

© July 5, 1986