Why Me, O, Why Me

by Scarlette Taylor

She bowed low to scoop the crystal, clear water into her hand. Standing, she drew the water from her palm, holding it a moment in her mouth. The water was invigorating and soothing, and entirely satisfying. As she swallowed, she felt the water leave her throat and pass through her esophagus. It was if she felt it enter her entire body. But it was more than physical refreshment.

Pleased and amazed, she moved from the water’s edge. But soon realized her vision was keenly sharp. Sights were vivid, radiant: the sun brighter, the flowers bursting in color, the long grasses swaying in verdant grace. She beheld beauty as never before. How wonderful was this state-of-being. An unusual, slight sound came to her- the flight of a butterfly, then the movement of a caterpillar nearby. Such slight sounds were hers. Other new sounds came; she felt splendidly alive.

Time passed as she tried to grasp the experiences. She walked along the path, the one she’d always safely taken, but now it differed, the repetitive became sublime. Suddenly, she was engulfed with aromas. What were these fragrances? These sweet-scented, earthy attars? These perfumes, floral and earthy, brought a smile to her face; each so rich and distinct.

How can life be any fuller she thought. How am I so richly consecrated? Why? Toying with ideas, she walked on in her sensory world. She thought nothing else could influence her so. However, her hand brushed the tall grass, and the sensation awoke her in a different way, a relational way. She then reached tentatively for the petal of a flower, the bark of a tree, the twigs of a low built bird nest. Each gave out its individual message. And she knew the message. Why, O why me? Who am I to be so gifted? Her mind raced through thoughts she’d been taught to trust: self, authority, man, position, acceptance. None calculated. None satisfied. And in an instant, she knew why. He was there.

Chuckles, Giggles & Snickers

The Magic Number

I was walking down the street the other day when I saw my best friend Jeff. I walked up to him and mentioned that I had the craziest dream the other night. Jeff listened as I told him that the dream consisted of just one thing. A huge glowing number “5.” It was made of gold and sparkled with shiny diamonds. Jeff’s curiosity was piqued. I went on to say that the first thing that I did in the morning was to grab the daily racing digest and look up the 5th race.

Jeff raised an eyebrow. I told him that the #5 horse in the 5th race was named “The 5th Element.” Jeff started grinning. Then I told him point-by-point what I did that entire day.

I ate 5 bowls of cereal for breakfast and drank 5 cups of coffee,

I went for a 5 mile jog to clear my head,

I took a 5 minute shower to rinse off,

I dressed in the 5th suit I found in my closet,

I sat in my car for 5 minutes before starting it,

I drove to the racetrack and parked in the 5th stall in the 5th row,

I entered through the 5th admissions gate,

I bought 5 programs,

I went to the 5th betting window and bet $555 on the 5th horse in the 5th race,

I went and sat in the 5th row of the bleachers making sure there were 5 people sitting on both sides of me.

Then I settled in and waited for the race to start.

“Well?” said Jeff. “Did your horse win?”

I frowned at Jeff and said, “Stupid horse came in 5th.”