Unheard Words

The old man sits beneath the tree of truth, enjoying the sunset and its silent dismissal from the autumn sky.  One of the elders from the village approaches him and, as he always does, invites the elder to sit and join him.

The elder watches the sunset for a few moments before he speaks.  "It is a special time of day, is it not, my friend? The silence of the moment embraces you like a mother's loving arms," he says.

The old man agrees with a nod and says, "I am reminded of the old Maestro at times such as these."

"Why is that?" the elder asks.

The old man sighs and says, "I remember what he told us about silence. 'Silence has many sounds but they are heard within our hearts and souls. They are felt within each of us and upon every breath we take. But we must be willing to listen, to believe in what we hear, and to be thankful for the gift.'"

The elder nodded once more.  "I remember too, my friend. There is so much we allow to be lost in the silence if we do not open our hearts to its sweet song.  I hear the voices of loved ones, the words that have sustained me through the years, and the often unheard promises that settle there within its protecting arms."

"So many fear Silence," the old man says, "and I would like to reassure those who come to share words with me that silence is not to be feared."

"My friend, you will find the words.  Remember how the Maestro always placed his hand upon his heart and told us that this is where most of our questions would be answered?" the elder asked.

"Yes, I do.  I know this to be true ," the old man says and places his hand upon his heart.

The elder watches him and smiles as he rises to return to the village. He turns to bid his farewell and says, "Just listen, my friend. The Maestro's words will not let you down."

The old man closes his eyes after the elder had walked away and opens his heart to the silence surrounding him.  He whispers softly, "Thank you, sweet silence, for holding those unheard words safely until I am ready to listen. Thank you for being at my side, for being my friend and confidant, and for being the keeper of every song, every memory, and every thought my heart holds dear."

He begins to rise and hears a familiar voice from long ago say, "I knew you would find your own words.  They are no longer lost in the silence, my son. They have found a place in your heart because you opened your heart to listen.  You must never doubt yourself for I chose wisely when I left my words behind.  They will never be unheard as long as they are in your heart.  Now, go forth, and open the doors of silence to all."

The old man smiles as one tear escapes his upturned eyes. "Thank you, Sir," he whispers and continues on his journey, comfortable with his memories and his words.  He feels the Maestro and the Creator smile and it is good!