page 113
the boisterous air fizzles and flits around the room like the freshly freed bubbles of a young champagne. while the others keep climbing the mountain with a happy, drunken gait--- i follow along--- all too aware that i have, again, stepped on that plateau. i have, again, faced the choice of making my summit, or stopping here and resting--- while they reach the top and kiss the stars. ::: every night for several years, i lit a candle before i sat quietly to find my stillness. it became my ritual. it became my symbol. this candle reflected my soul--- the eternal flame of being. ---or so i thought. on one such night, sitting in my stillness, i heard a voice ask me, "where is the light?" it repeatedly and patiently asked me, "where is the light?" until i began to ask myself. ~ every night, i sit quietly to find my stillness, but i have ceased to light the candle. ::: there a...