The following was written some years back. I thought I'd share it because it personifies my life philosophy.
The mass of stillness
contained within the framework presses against me, intimidating me with its
hugeness. Overhead the bare ribs reach to enclose more sky, the skeleton covered by a tightly stretched canopy of inky blackness, a twinkling of white
lights pierce its seeming limitlessness.
Turning a slow circle, my eyes attempt to penetrate the
emptiness, searching the vague distance for something, anything. But all
solidity melts into the receding shadows. The quietness is suffocating, even my
shallow breath seems an intrusion. Behind me, the warm glow of home-lights
beckon. This giant hulk is waiting, incomplete; not yet imparted with the touch
of life, its purpose for being. I feel the waiting, the anticipation of what is
to be. Soon, now...soon.
Standing in the midst of that suspension, I close my
eyes, once again conjuring up the vision. I surround myself with the sounds of
shifting, bumping bodies, settling into their enclosures. The flat swat of a
swinging tail, the heavy stamp of an annoyed foot are punctuated by the steady
rhythm of teeth clamping and crunching. My nose is assaulted by the earth
mixture of sodden feed, ripe grain and heated bodies.
Overhead, the mountains
of hay wait in readiness, unseen yet invading with a permeating sweetness that
recalls the days of sweating bodies under a blazing sun. Lazy dust mites drift
and swirl in shafts of light that puncture the dimness.
With the goal once again reaffirmed, I open my eyes.
Having filled the empty space with dreams, I am content. As I turn to go, I
stumble over the cat twining herself about my feet. It is Calico, a precursor of
the soon-to-be fulfilled dream. She insinuates herself into my consciousness,
insisting that I once again perform my duty and pronounce welcome upon her
latest batch of kittens. I follow her lead to the near corner, the soft mews
and cries growing louder as we approach. Calico settles amidst the tumbling
bodies, concentrating on her duties as a mother. She is oblivious to the
approving look I beam down.
Obligation fulfilled, I head for the house. Waiting is
the bed, and sleep. I will rest my aching muscles and weary body, thankful for
the refreshing a night of peaceful slumber can bring. Tomorrow will soon be
here, another day to fill with strenuous but satisfying labor. Another day
closer to the reality of the dream.
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