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The Wall. I wrote this so that when your time comes to depart this world you will not be too surprised. bern

The Wall.

It is fairly dark in the woods; tall trees with magnificent foliage are blocking out most of the sun’s rays. Coming out of the woods I blinked a couple of times to get used to the bright sunshine. Most unexpectedly in front of me a clearing then a high brick wall. If you are anything like me you find walls fascinating. What is hidden behind the wall? Is there a house or an institution of some kind? Is the wall to stop people going in or what’s worse from people coming out. On my back was my old rucksack that I always carry with me on my trips to the woods, one never knows what one will find; delicious mushrooms or wild strawberries with that oh, so delicate taste, or blackberries to make bramble jelly. Looking at the wall I decided that it was too high for me to climb over, I will have to look for an entrance, a door perhaps or even a gateway. I just have to know what is behind this high wall.

Leaving my rucksack on the floor beside the wall I started to walk around the wall looking for an entrance, placing one foot before the other I walked and walked, there was no door or gateway to be seen. I walked at least five miles and arrived back to where I had left my rucksack. Strange I thought to myself a huge wall and no way of getting in or out of it. Leaning against the wall having a rest I found myself moving through the, what looked like a thick high wall. I am so surprised at my solid body being able to move through the wall that my next feelings took my breath away. I was in a most beautiful garden. This I thought must be the Garden of Eden that one reads about in the Bible.

I found myself walking on a pathway that is covered in rich green moss. An alarm bell started ringing in my ears. I have been here before; this is a path that I have walked a hundred times or more. Where am I? What am I doing here? Why is my mind playing tricks on me? So many questions but no answers, all is very familiar I know this garden I remember the lovely coloured flowers the butterflies and the daintily coloured birds that fly in an out of the bushes. It is as if they are playing games of hide and seek. The music came softly to my ears it is getting louder as I walk the mossy path, not too loud just a gentle rhythm. Walking now much slower I felt all of my earthly troubles and woes falling off of me; as if I am shedding my clothing. I never want to leave this garden again I will stay here for all eternity. I am so happy to be here.

Then a barrier stopped my further progress I pushed with all of my strength against the barrier, it is of no use I am not going to get past the barrier that is blocking my way. I then heard the voice. “What are you doing on the Birth Path? It is much too soon, you will be sent back and will have to wait until it is time for you to re-enter the path that leads to new birth. I am the Guardian of the way to new birth. Every human being will come down this or another such path until the purpose is filled. The voice sounds as if it feeling a deep sympathy with me as it said, “You will come down this path in a few more years.” “Now go back to behind the wall and forget what you have seen and heard it is better for you not to remember too much; or you will waste the years that are left to you with an unbearable longing.” I then felt a force; nothing like I have ever felt before and I found myself near to my rucksack. In my rucksack I carry with me a pen and paper to make notes of all that I do or see whenever I go to one of my journeys in the woods. That is the reason why I have written this down. I feel it is everyman’s right to know of the Birth Path when your time comes you too will remember walking along the mossy path asking yourself the same questions that I asked. I do not want you to be unprepared as I was. I leave it up to you to make of this story what you will I hope it brings someone a little comfort knowing that there is a Birth Path to look forward to.

© Bernard Shaw

— Bernard Shaw, Mar 09, 2010

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