~ Just Like You ~

A long time ago, it was said, by a very wise man,
that to truly live one must simplify
and see things through the eyes of a child.
For only then does the true beauty
and meaning of our existence
permeate the clutter built up in the adult mind.

Allow me to take you to visions of the world,
through a child's eyes.
What better time than now,
when everything is returning, fresh and new.

Step outside with me, then, and look up.
What do you see?
A gloriously brilliant sun, in a sky the colour of bright light blue.
That cloud, it's like a cotton ball!
And there goes a bird, soaring on the currents of air.

Just a seagull you say?
No, look again....how graceful he is.
His feathers are almost a brilliant white,
with an almost steely gray thrown in for contrast.
He's playing as he flies, he seems so happy up there!

Now look down. See that tree?
The buds are coming....how amazing that the trees know to wake up!
The buds have that special colour of green just peeking through
...the light, light green of new life.
Oh! There's one opened!
Come feel how soft it is, how pure and tender.
Then feel the bark of the tree.
Isn't it amazing how something so rough can produce something so delicate?
The heat from the spring sun radiates off the bark.
It enters your hand and travels through you.
Let the warmth engulf you, and revel in it.

A squirrel darts by quickly.
Another chases it...oh what could they be up to?!
Up the tree they go, disappearing into a small hole up top.
What energy they have.
How beautiful they were
....you can just imagine the softness of their jet black fur.
Kind of like a cat's but more luxurious.

Now, look down further....at the green carpet beneath your feet.
Just grass?
Oh no, it's home to so many things,
so full of life and beauty.
Look! It must be awfully wet, because there's a worm,
escaping the soggy soil for a bit.
He inches along as you watch.
Ever wonder which side is front?
Isn't it fascinating how something with no parts can move along so well?
You pick him up, he's slimy and slippery and gooey.
You don't know whether to shudder or giggle.
You place him out of harm's way in a garden.

A garden!!
Look, there are small flowers rising!
Bright purple with red centres, other tiny white ones, and oh joy!
A daffodil!
They are all so gorgeous, so delicate, so precious.
As you stare at them, a bee comes to take a first drink from them,
busy about his day. Don't run, he won't hurt you.
See how pretty he is?
A honeybee, orange and black striped
- is that a warning to everyone that he stings?
Such delicate wings, and listen to that hum!
Like a small helicopter!

Now stand still, close your eyes, and breathe deep.
The air of spring, laden with the scent of growing things.
Everything comes alive now, everything starts anew.
It is all precious, all beautiful.

Just like you.

Copywrite: Kelly Young, 1999