Journey

I followed a spider one day as she went hunting, trapping men in her silken web of death. Pouncing on her victims, she injected her vermin. Her body was bloated; she had more than she could hold. Oh, black widow spider, may greed hasten your end.

I followed an eagle one day as he was flying, his shadow covering all the earth. He shrieked his challenge to the people of the land, and making the kill, gulped their blood to quench his thirst. Oh eagle, your life will soon be done.

I followed a river, down its broad, winding course, past streams and brooklets that fed it, filling up pools of dark crystal blue, lapping at its banks where grew a deep green forest. Oh river, do not let them dam you as they have done the rest.

I followed a lamb as he went timidly to and fro, in between the sorrows of our world. The little one was crying; he just couldn't bear it. Return to your shepherd, o little forgotten one, and learn what he taught you all over again.

I followed a gull one day long ago. He tried to tell his brothers that they, too, could fly. But they would not listen to him, so he flew away to die. His brothers need him now; they turn to the East and cry. But all they get for their weeping is sunshine in their eyes.

I followed a man as he climbed up a mountainside. He was tired, and his hands and feet were bleeding. I called out to him, "Come with me and live in comfort." But he kept on climbing to the top, and at the peak stepped off, and flew away...