Gentle Breeze Growing

My Grand Father and this woman walk today. I pick up round stone and fit in palm. This stone must not be alone I know. My Grand Father is now far behind me.

When I was smaller I always far behind him with his long legs. I wait and think "Why did life change? Will we never walk side-by-side"?

"I will wait for you, Grand Father", I call, still holding tightly to round stone. I sit down then and listen to waves of sun. All around me are birds and treasures for my heart.

"Ah, ho, Gentle Breeze, I see you have kept remembering the things of the past." My Grand Father says as he nears me. "Tell me what is it you do not know"?

I look at bright sun with eyes almost shut and say "I really know most of what there is to know". Remembering then I wait for him, I say "Well, I do not understand Grand Father, why it is you must grow old" .

He then smiles and say "Good. It is my turn to wait for you, as you try to understand".

"You have entered the world as Gentle Breeze from the South. Soon it will be my turn to enter the North which leads to the Great Mystery. This is greatest of all honor".

I think still right then to grow old is frightening. My Grand Father says "North is the greatest door to pass through, an honor and part of the circles of life I have taught you ".

He then says "Without death, there can be no life" Then he gently touches my hair and points to the East. "This direction is for play as a child about the inside of you".

Then he points to West "This is for work to contribute and balance"

Grand Father slowly pointed North again. "And this is for others. Give to others the gifts you are given. Think of WE rather than ME. Balance all these, and you will live to smile when the North door opens."

I am young and say "What of this round stone in my palm"? My Grand Father says "your stone belongs with you in your circle"

We then walk side-by-side to home.

gentle breeze