I don’t know how long I’d been asleep, but I arose and took a good look at my surroundings. It struck me that they were very nondescript and actually quite threadbare. I had no idea how long I’d been here in this room either, but thankfully, I was still feeling very relaxed and contented. I thought to myself that I’d better go outside and explore, and then, just as I realised that there was no door anywhere to be seen, I found myself instantly standing outside in the most beautiful surroundings.
“What kept you, I’d almost given up on you.” The voice was that of my new/old friend, and I turned around to see him standing there with a huge grin on his face. “Well,” I said, “you obviously weren’t going to come to me, which you promised, by the way, so I had no choice but to come to you.” I suddenly realised that we were engaging in “banter,” the type only engaged in by very close friends.
“Ah! You are learning at last, or more correctly, you are starting to remember. I haven’t actually been anywhere my friend, in fact, I’ve been right here waiting patiently for you to join me. I wondered how long it would take you to realise that all you had to do was “think” yourself outside; look what you’ve been missing.”
He was right. I still didn’t have a clue where I was, but it was such an incredibly beautiful place; I would say that it was like nothing on earth, but as I’m not on earth anymore that would be too much like stating the obvious. Suffice it to say, that it was nature like I’ve never seen before; beyond the imagination of the logical mind. Beautiful trees and flowers, also animals and birds without a care in the world. All of us sharing the same space without fear of danger. Yes, you’ve guessed it, my friend heard my thoughts.
“There is no such thing as fear or danger here, my brother. All creatures share this wonderful world in perfect harmony. Inflicting pain and suffering on each other and our wildlife friends is unheard of here.”
Something else that struck me about my friend was how unremarkable he looked. There was something very simplistic about him, and I can only describe his face as deadpan. Yet he oozed love, kindness and wisdom and when he broke into a smile it was a picture of the utmost beauty. It was, as I came to this realisation, that I felt for the first time since this meeting that I’d known him forever.
For those of you that have been reading my most recent posts, you will be aware that I was inspired by the violent storm that blew during my trip to Falmouth in Cornwall at the end of January. Although it was clearly not the worst storm ever, it was easily the worst one I’ve ever experienced first hand. In contrast to that, I couldn’t believe how tranquil the sea was during my trip to Weston-Super-Mare in North Somerset at the end of February. Once again, I was inspired to write and I came up with two poems/short stories that I shall be sharing this week. Here’s the first one:
I hear you in the distance talking to me; your tranquility speaks volumes. Almost as soon as I sit myself down, the birds serenade me with a symphony fit for a king. The cold breeze and the warm sun hug me in unison as I gaze out across the mud flats of Sand Bay, trying to fathom what you are saying. A sudden epiphany informs me that your message is in your silence.
A silence that transcends the birdsong, the breeze and the warmth of the sun.
A silence that speaks of Love, Love in all its purity, all its glory.
Oh Bristol Channel, I hear your silence loud and clear.
Hey Mister, yes, you! I’m talking to you. Answer me this? How come, “your” creation never fails to amaze us, it is constantly evolving and revealing untold wonders to us, but on the other hand, your religion continues to bask in the Dark Ages? Could the answer be twofold? Could it be that your religion is man-made and you don’t exist anyway? If that’s the case, I’m having this conversation with myself.
And another thing…
Your Lord’s prayer is grossly outdated and not in line with the current evolutionary path of the human race. Now…all is not lost, so I don’t want you to worry. I’m about to put forward an amended version, which is more in line with the times. I had a go at this some months ago, so this is an amendment to the amended version.
PS – To the real God, I wouldn’t mind your opinion on this, and if you don’t fancy communicating telepathically, I’ll accept an email.
Heavenly Friend, who resides within us
Hallowed be our name
Our kingdom come
Our will be done
In the whole of creation
Thank you for meeting all our needs, and
For showing us that we do not need to be forgiven
Please lead us into temptation
In order that we may experience all aspects of life
Don’t deliver us from evil
But show us that evil only exists because we create it
There is no demon to judge you when the time comes to surrender your body. The only judgement you will ever encounter is the judgement that emits from the human ego; oozing like puss from a sore.
The source welcomes all home with open arms. Whether beggar, king or thief there is no difference when the soul is laid bare.
Have you ever known the sea to refuse a river? Does a tree check your status before offering shelter and fruit? Would the earth say “No” to a raindrop that fell from the sky?
So, polish your metaphorical shoes, don your metaphorical suit and tie, and when the time comes…
Author - Richard F Holmes 