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The Seed of Possibility
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Into a splendid garden walked Possibility. Overwhelmed with the magic
that grew all about him, he longed to share the beauty with his world.
Struck by a vision, he moved to the center of the garden and began to
dig. Within moments he had unearthed a beautiful bulb destined to become
the most wondrous and mystical daffodil ever seen. Leaving the garden,
Possibility pondered what to do with the bulb. He understood that the
bulb was merely a promise of beauty to be realized only after a season
of nurturing in fertile grounds. Hoping to place it in such a home, he
lovingly left it on Actuality's doorstep. The following morning he received
a call. Actuality sensed it was he who had left the unusual gift and wished
to hear its story.
_____ Possibility told Actuality all about
the garden and its grandeur. Upon hearing about the beauty in store, Actuality
agreed to plant the seed in a clearing in the woods. Together they would
be free to enjoy a future of visiting the beautiful daffodil grown from
the love within.
Within days after the bulb was planted, Actuality ceased to visit the
clearing. Growing busy with the affairs of the world, there was little
time to detour toward the bulb that rested below the earth. Summer came
and the earth was hot and dry. Possibility reminded Actuality of the bulb's
need for water, but the bulb was left to wait quietly beneath the soil
until priorities could be rearranged. Actuality vowed to tend the soil
when the time is right. In the meantime, life went on within and without
the lonely bulb.
_____ Time passed and all about there was
transformation. Possibility remained at the edge of the woods near Hope.
Actuality had long since left the area, taking up residence in the streets
of Destiny. One dark and moonless night, struck by a vision of the extraordinary
daffodil, Actuality longed to return to the clearing. Possibility had
remained a devoted and trusted friend and the separation had been long
enough. Actuality set out for the clearing in the woods. Not wanting to
delay the wonderful daffodil's appearance any longer, Actuality vowed
to tend the soil with diligence.
_____ Upon arriving at the clearing, Actuality
noticed a wealth of new growth, but no daffodil grew among the foliage.
The flower's season of opportunity had long since passed. Though it never
saw the sunlight the bulb never ceased to work its magic. Without nourishment
the bulb was allowed to decay, creating a rich and fertile bed in which
other plants received bountiful life.
Possibility heard the news of Actuality's return and came quickly to the
clearing. Together they walked through the flowers enjoying the beauty
that surrounded them. Though they never brought the daffodil into their
conversation, neither could fully deny the emptiness that moved deep inside
their souls. Possibility could not help but reflect on what could have
been while Actuality weighed what had come to pass.
© 1993 - Paul Stephens
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