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| The Zeniths |
The beauty of the mountains ahead lay in the fact they looked like seven stair steps with a cumulus cloud circling the fourth mountain like a bracelet around a woman arm. The sun had risen. The air filled with the sounds of animals long awoke.
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| Lily Pad |
Lily Pad had parked by the bank, anchored like a boat waiting for her passengers to debark.
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| Mr. Whale |
Mr. Whale no longer in sight,
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| Octavio |
Octavio, address unknown and
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| Mr. Eagle |
Mr. Eagle somewhere in the blue sky.
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| The Child |
"Prophet?" The Child said stepping out of Lily Pad onto the bank.
"I remember standing on this bank years ago."
"This one is different."
"Oh. Am I there?"
"You've put your foot on the path that leads to the first zenith."
"The first?"
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| The Prophet |
"Yes, Child, the first."
"But, Prophet, ahead is a stairway of mountains!"
"True."
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| The Zeniths |
"Which zenith is mine?"
"Whichever you choose, Child."
The Child observed the far distant mountain peaks scaling toward the sky.
"It doesn't get any easier, does it?"
"The zeitgeist of your era demands an illusion of instant satisfaction, Child."
"Will you stay with me, if I say enough and remain at the first zenith."
"Yes, Child."
"You'll accept my choice."
"Yes."
"Even though you might know it's not the best zenith for me?"
"The decision will always lie with you."
"Oh, Prophet?"
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| The Child |
Consternation and determination highlighted the wrinkles on her face as she considered. She turned and regarded The Prophet.
"What's your choice, Child?"
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| The Zeniths |
"You see that last zenith beyond the mountain with the cloud embracing it?"
"Yes."
"That's where I belong."
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| The Prophet |
"In that case, Child, look who's coming to greet you."
"Mr. Raccoon!" Shouted The Child.
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| Mr. Raccoon |
"I told you we'd meet again."
Shalom Aleichem, and Toda, Grazie, Danke, Merci, Gracias, Obrigado, Thank you,
Pat Garcia
