Into Manhood

Into Manhood

          At last my chores are all done. As I walk out of the barn, I feel a wave of tranquility wash over me. You can taste a sweetness in the air. The smell of dew is strong.

          I look out over the farm. Suddenly I feel a strong sense of belonging. It's as if all I see is mine to tend. A cool breeze blows by. I walk towards the tall, bare maple I love so. I climb the rough aged tree trunk. The tree looks old and wise.It seems as if each pattern and knot in the bark tells the story of a hundred years.

          As I sit down on my favorite branch and lay back, the stone cold wood turns to feathers. It seems to let me sink into the bark and become part of it's eternal story. I watch the sunrise. I can feel it's incredible heat shining orange on my thoughtful face. "How much time is left? When will my family's bright star fade? How much longer till I am the man of the house?"

          Suddenly, the air's sweetness is gone. The cold wind of death carries the scent of blood. The tree's soft seat hardens like a rock. A little boy's only comfort becomes knowing the wait is over. The climb down from childhood is long. Below is a crying woman made helpless as a child. My arms wrap around her, the arms of a noble man!