The unsuspecting wayfarer

It can happen to us, that life might over-burdens us. You side-step, but the problems do not go away. You look at others, but only your own seem to be turning upon you. You might question -- why is this happening with me ? Then like a man caught in a storm on the seas, his ship breaking away like it was made of matchsticks, you confront the elements and your fate. Somewhere within you see yourself, unconcerned, curious even of all this taking place.

The storm comes on, monstrous waves splintering everything, flinging you into the sea. Huge swells pick and toss you as you cling to the floating debris. You go under, many times; swallowing mouthfuls of salt water, crashing repeatedly into the fragmented ship. You hold on still with eyes closed, clinging to a voice within - it will be alright; as everything around is completely destroyed.The storm passes on, leaving a stillness under the night sky. Gentle bobbing sounds, the only witness to your passing fate.

You wait through the night, and the sea greets you without a guile in the morning. As if only a few hours earlier it had not mercilessly ripped into you. You scorn at its pretentious innocence. Sea gulls are diving around you, screeching and swooping into the water. Eventually you are rescued and set upon the shore. Your friends are happy you came through your ordeal, and wondering if it has made you fearful of the seas.

They find you often now standing on the prow of the ship, looking into the horizon as if to spot its monstrous spirit within. Somewhere it lurks there you know, waiting to rob the unsuspecting wayfarer, as it did yours, of your youth.

Thanks.

why is this happening to me ? Then like a man caught in a storm i n the seas, his ship breaking away as if it was made of matchsticks

Somewhere within, you see yourself, unconcerned, curious even of all this taking place.
As if only a few hours earlier it had not mercilessly ripped into you apart .
Your friends are happy you camemade it through your ordeal

GREAT article, i especially luv the ending!

Is that numbness or magnanimousness?

Writing this in second person perspective was a very cool idea. Of the things you have posted, this is one of my favorites, and that says a lot because you have posted some great material.

"There is no sickness, nor toil, nor danger in that bright land to which I go..."

Ah, so it resonated with you, I am glad to hear that and thank you for the compliment.

Something about essayforum, as I come here to write I feel a sort of energy, a guiding hand almost. One could say it's what I have experienced here in the past, but I think it is more to do with something in its present, always.

There is good stuff here, and you're doing an amazing job carrying the "torch" with your band of contributors as you approach the 10K mark.

I love this .. "There is no sickness, nor toil, nor danger in that bright land to which I go..."

Thanks again Kevin. Good sailing to you !

Ha ha, its is funny to think of them as a band, as though we Robin Hood ourselves around through the forest.

**Note to writers: Ordinarily, it is improper to use "Robin Hood" as a verb; the above sentence is nonstandard use of the word "Robin hood."

Well thanks, Rajiv. And those words you said you liked... those aren't mine! It was a reference to the song Wayfaring Stranger, which your title reminded me of.