The Wrath And Winds Of Change

[ShuutokuTentei]

The Wrath And Winds Of Change

What can one possibly say to another to fill the emptiness in a
place hidden deep within a persons heart and soul that cannot be
transgressed. Destruction across the globe, the unrest of the
oppressed, the fear of hunger, political turmoil over right and wrong,
the pain of disaster. In a small way, looking back and sharing this
story represents a microcosm of heartbreak, and loss, in the face of
adversity.
As I stand at my kitchen window and peer through the spotted
glass, I now have to imagine what was. I can see a tiny, marvelously
seasoned lady, seven years short of a century in joyful gait, moving
to and fro around the confines of her world. She moved as if she were
a honey bee pollinating each and every plant with the precision and
tenacity only mother nature could demand. I can see the pleasure on
her face as she struggled with the garden hose as it tenaciously
wrapped around everything it could find as if it had a mind of its
own. I saw her Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall as if to challenge the
postman’s sworn dedication. Most of all I see her stoic posture,
tentative expression, and broad grin as those that love her, shook
their heads, rolled their eyes, and subdued their fingers fearing for
her health and welfare. As always, once the hoard had departed, she
went about her appointed rounds as if she had just one more day of
life.
How clear it is to me, as I wipe the condensation from my view,
that this was her entire world. Her entire life, her days, her nights.
If could turn back the hands of time, I could then again fill the void
now in my window. Her obsessively neat yard was filled with the wrath
of wind and water forming erratic patterns and sullen colors. What was
once a majestic and proud tree, lay in it’s destructive posture
through the center of her sanctuary. What was a place of respite for
family and friends is now hidden under twisted metal and jagged nails.
All the doors that signaled safety and security now gape wide open
screeching in a ghostly unison as the wind blows.
I stood fearfully quiet, as she stepped from the family van. I
could see the pain in her eyes as she looked toward that which was.
She bravely stood there for a few moments trying to summon all of her
courage, but failed. As her aged eyes looked toward mine, filling with
unbearable tears, I knew that nothing I could say, nothing I could do,
would take the pain that ripped through her. I could not have known
that my attempts to console her would leave me destitute in a lie. In
quiet desperation, I offered the comfort of my arms and told her “It
will be ok”.
Turning to walk away, the shining sun reflected several
glittering objects that lay on the side of the road. As I reached
down, I realized that it was gold and diamonds. Hastily I picked them
up with confusion, not realizing that they belonged to this lady of
profound years. At once she examined the items, several being tortured
beyond recognition by the wheels of countless cars. As I placed them
into her cupped hands, her tears again began to flow realizing that
although none had any real monetary value, they represented her entire
life. She being violated by great destruction, now by a group of
thieves in the night.
I know that so very many people are faced with an agonizing
future. I know that so many lost all that they have, and know not
where to turn. I could not, nor would not, ever presume that one
individuals pain could possibly exceed another’s. Sitting in comfort
and safety, how does one beg God to reach out his hand and help? Each
and every person deserves the grace and protection as one of Gods
children as if they were his favorite. These things and so much more I
understand, yet each morning when I arise, stop and peer through my
widow, the absence of my neighbor somehow connects me to the entire
world, and I realize only by the grace of God their go I.

ShuutokuTentei 2011
http://www.arkofthecovenantyhvh.com/