From The Road...
I had heard stories of this old man with the red cane and how he walked daily along the shore. Always at the same appointed time. Some just called him the Hermit, others spun their own tales of fantasy and intrigue. Regardless of the tales, he captured my imagination and I made it a point to pass by that stretch of coastline on many occasions just to get get a glimpse of the old man with a red cane legend.
When I first saw him approaching I could not restrain the passion in my voice..."Good day sir," forced its way out. With a hint of disparity he said, "What do you want." I politely, as best I could, responded, "I did not intend to disrupt your peace." He quickly quipped, "and what would be the point in that?"
"Well sir the legend of the ole' man with a red can lives on you know." I said.
He smiled and quipped, " I guess you are here to ask me about the meaning of life then?" I laughed and then we both got a good laugh together. "People think what they want to think, and it's none of my concern," he said. I asked him if I could see his cane, it was one to be admired. It was a twisted vine in shape, with a carved Eagle appointing the head. It was a fine cane. Made from the Elder Wood vine. He showed the markings where smaller vines left their markings and how he carved animals around its core.
He makes canes, not to sell but just for his own pleasure. Said he probably had over 200. Some with so much meaning he looks at them everyday.
About midway in our conversation I teased him a bit and asked, "Well, when you going to tell me the meaning of life?" It was as if time stood still in that moment. He never looked up and quietly responded. "But why you ask the meaning in life...does it exist...yes it exists. It is. Life has meaning because it exist. We do not ask the meaning of a rose, or a sunset, or a birdsong...and surely you agree that human life is more wondrous than a rose, why should we demand that a human life be justified by some meaning...By just existing we matter."
What a nice lesson from the Old Man With A Red Cane. It was so well spoken that nothing more needed to be said. We talked a while about his beauty. Not long, for I had invaded his privacy. Odd thing though, he gave me a final farewell by saying, "I'm sorry if I disturbed your peace sir." And smiled. Even gave me a strong embrace..."Be well my dear friend."
Ego-My friends call me Doc
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