A rocky ledge on a cliff.
a waterfall between them and her
she shivers beyond the spray.

semi-naked she stands -
a platter of half told tales in her hands.

the crowd can see her,
the many shout directions
in which she should go;
but the words are lost in the noise.
she hears snatches, fragments.

The many are fearful of approaching
in case the water rushes
them away to their doom.
They wave and point,
sending her on paths
they think she should take,
but the torrent refracts and bends -
the shapes she perceives
cannot possibly be her guides.

But it is only water,
life-giver, replenisher;
One man reaches through,
places a hand on each shoulder.

Only then does he impart his advice,
in a hushed whisper,
heard above the falls:-

"What's best for you, only what's best for you"

He returns to his side of the falls.

A moment passes before she smiles,
a collective gasp from the crowd
as she steps from safety.

A freshly born water phoenix she flies
above the watching faces,
she turns and heads for sunrise
leaving yesterdays behind.

03/17/2006

Author's Note: This was written for someone last year but never had an ending - time has passed, she has flown - become a tree, lain down deep roots. The tale now has an end and I am pleased.

Posted on 03/17/2006
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