Carrying Light Into the Dark Forest

A Parable of Focus

From among the rocks and through the mists, two worried eleven riders arrived at the edge of the forest. They freely moved among the big trees, but found no easy path around or through the dark heart of the forest. The younger and more inexperienced rider rode off and searched longer, more anxious to avoid what lay ahead. While the older rider sat uncomfortable in the saddle, torn between going in alone, or waiting longer. Nightfall approached, and it began to rain lightly.

With no other options, they began a slow and determined descent of the wooded slopes that led into the darkest and deepest part of the forest. It was cooler, darker, and more fragrant there. Carrying light into the dark forest makes you aware of your own every action. They knew it could also make them a target.

Clip Clop, Clip Clop, Clip Clop. As the visible distance grew smaller, and the sound of their every movement seemed louder, they slowed a bit to try and muffle their own noise. Soon however, the ambient noise from within the darkness increased, and as it grew louder around them, they slowed to almost a walk. Not because of their own noise – which they could no longer hear, but because of the increasing din of the wild noises around them.

The older rider reached behind him for his bag, and pulled out a candy bar. He turned to the younger rider, and said: “These are only satisfying if you eat them.”

(c) RLM

#parable #spooky