photo: path leading to Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay
We would live there
in the hollow of the valley
to protect ourselves from the world
we would go out sometimes
to visit the solitary tree
upright like wisdom
in sunshine and in rain
we would read its inclinations in its leaves
we would sense life beneath the bark
we would say thank you, though we did not know to whom
photo: the generosity of nature, Nelson
Pearls of wisdom are sometimes sent to us at the most unexpected times and places. For instance, while TWM* is awaiting surgery at the hospital, and we are feeling somehow sad and anxious, in the rather somber common room, as we watch the evening news (equally grim), a man arrives and sits near us. He rapidly initiates a conversation with TWM, which goes as follows:
TWM: What brings you here?
The man: I was on holidayin the North. The other morning, I woke up feeling utterly overwhelmed. I was brought here. I have incurable lung cancer; I have six months left to live.
LG: That is a brutal news for you.
The man: I am 86 years old; I have had a good life, I am ready to pass the torch.
And a long, wisdom-filled silence followed.
*TWM : The Welsh man
