January 13, 2010
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All Things are Impermanent
Down in the narrow valley we followed a small river. The valley was littered with immense boulders that had fallen from the high mountains surrounding us on each side. It was a bit unnerving knowing that at any minute another one of these great rocks could come tumbling down upon us. Nonetheless, we pushed on through the rough terrain, boulder hopping at times, and wading through the river at others.
My guide was in search of an old mine that was buried in the side of the mountains. He had an insatiable desire to find it, which made me wonder what exactly was in it. He wouldn’t say, and I didn’t press him on the issue. The two of us weren’t much of a match. He was a strong, rugged, and practical man, while I was a bit soft and artistic, throwing practicality out the window.
When he would afford me a few minutes of rest, I would take out my journal and paint the beautiful scenery around us with words of poetry. My guide would simply pull out his map to make sure we were still on course. I would sit and wonder what material goods had this man so obsessed. Was there gold in the cave, jewels, or possibly outlaw money? I didn’t know and I didn’t care.
We eventually found the mine, and I got to see the object of this mans desires. It was definitely a spectacle and through his joy came sadness in my heart. Had he once looked around and appreciated nature? Nature, this unstoppable force that has been around before man, and will surely be around long after we are gone. Did he understand that the rushing water from the river was the voice of God? Did he not realize that the wind on our faces was the creation of man? Did he not realize that all things are impermanent?
He found what he was looking for and so did I.
Oh beauty that surrounds me
This world that’s so full of time
Trees placed by the hands of God
And the life giving water
I become so overwhelmed
Tears stream from my joyful eyes
And fall on the ancient rocks
Connecting us together
I was born out of the dust
And one day I’ll be returned
