He, finally, releases his fear and his grip on the white face, relaxes and allows himself to fall into the loving arms of the golden warmth. As the ground rushes towards him, he says, " you promised it wouldn't hurt"! The warm, gentle voice floats around him, the last thing he hears, "life is pain, without it you are dead".
He opens his eyes gingerly, lay staring wonderingly at the blue sky for a moment. His hands begin to gather up the straw, stuffing it inside his canvas skin. Standing up, he gives himself a shake, the straw settles into it rightful place, filling him out, making him whole again.
He turns to the white, unyielding rock face of his friend, sets his pick in the crevasse, embracing the hard coldness. He begins anew his never-ending journey....... |
