Child and Old Man
Child and Old Man sat on the porch in the morning sun. The warm rays filtered down through the oak leaves and painted a streaked pattern on the rough board porch.
Old Man rocked gently in cadence with time as it ticked inexorably on. The sun climbed higher till the pattern of shade moved off the boards of the porch and onto the dirt of the yard.
“Old Man”, Child asked, “Tell me about life.” Old Man stopped rocking. Time stood still as the doors of his mind creaked open and contents dragged into the light for the first time in ages.
Old Man began to speak and rock, and time resumed its march. Child listened, making notes and forming more questions. When Old Man stopped speaking the sun had moved westward and its shadow masterpiece raced eastward across the meadow.
Quiet draped the porch and the yard, the meadow and the world. Finally Child poked a hole in the stillness with the question, “But Old Man what is the most important fact of Life? Old Man replied, “Two things Child, are the only things that really matter in life. The first are Roses, ” the Old Man said. “Roses are like life and love and beauty. Each rose has a thorn to remind us that life must be handled gently, not clutched, or yanked about indiscriminately, ” Old Man stated. “Each rose forms a promising bud, to be nourished and coaxed into full bloom. As the blossom unfolds in all its pristine beauty they make life worthwhile.” Old Man continued, “And even in death the faded petals fall to earth adding nourishment to morrows blossoms.”
Old Man became silent. The shadows began to climb the far mountainside. An orange glow streaked the sky. Child waited. Finally impatience swelled and burst into the question, “But Old Man, what is the second most important fact of life?” Old Man sighed and stated, “The second is a source of warmth from winters chill. A salve for man’s many infirmities and an every ready weapon to fight off life’s invading hosts. The second most important fact of life is Vicks Vaporurb.