A you
ng woman was walking along a gravel road when she came across an old man sitting by the side of the road.
“Where are you off to?” the man asked.
“I don’t know for certain”, the woman replied.
“Why would you waste your energy walking, if you don’t know where you are headed?” he asked.
“I am not wasting my energy. I love the feeling of the road below my feet. I love the way my body feels when I am walking. The open sky above makes me happy. And I know that when I’m happy, I am open to notice the gifts that pop out of nowhere along the road.”
The old man grumbled.
“That all sounds rather silly. There are no gifts along the road. I sit here day after day and gifts don’t just fall from the sky. Your aim should be to work hard and contribute something meaningful.”
The young woman smiled and locked her eyes on his.
“I am looking at a gift right now. And I am contributing something meaningful, right here, right now. Just for a moment, I am relieving someone from the heavy burden of loneliness.”
If You Don't Like The View, Change Your Angle
Excellent story. Yes, the gifts are so abundant if only we are open to them.
I’ve been following Paulo Coehlo on Facebook and get short story updates. Now obviously I keep wondering how he writes them, so meaningful in so little words. So, I tried one myself. Started somewhere and ended up somewhere else. ‘Excellent story’ therefore makes me very happy. Glad you liked it.
Love your story Spaz. Was just browsing and reading. I’ve missed your voice. Loved the same song from Crazy Heart, and have been talking trees with a new visitor on one of my sites. Am curious. Do you ever respond to poetry prompts online? I have been and there is a wonderful community out there with warm welcoming arms.
Elizabeth
I am glad you like my story. Especially since I haven’t done anything like it before. And 2011 will definitely focus on writing and finding a writing community which I feel comfortable in. So thanks for the tip! Happy New Year.