For those who know: a modern parable

Last updated on: February 11, 2012 at 8:56 pm by Eric English

For those who know: a modern parable 2012-02-11T20:56:56-06:00 Eric English

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It may have occurred to you as strange my friend when the ravenous vultures began to circle and their constant heckle seemed to contradict their once ominous cry. Even then they cried with the same retched tone, without ever saying anything of substance, which could have provided an explanation for their dogma. I suppose if our great teacher had figured it all out as theirs did, we all would be one big happy family. However, when our teacher came he created instability through his nonsensical ramblings, which resulted in our estrangement.

I once circled overhead as they do now staring at the ground from above. But then I found the ground. And when I landed I knew how to walk only because I had been instructed on the practical applications of walking – even when it made no sense as a vulture. I have been walking for several years now and have felt anguish for those who still fly around only one day hoping to walk. However, I must confess my apathy has turned to disdain as those who continue to circle around us have become more violent in tone.

I recall when I began learning the basic steps how absurd it felt. In fact, I completely revolted. But, my teacher was full of grace and allowed me to make many mistakes along the way. He led me through the dense forest of certainty toward the open plains of uncertainty where I had the freedom to fly or walk. When I attempted to speak to my fellow vultures about what I had been learning they warned me of the danger. I inquired into how they knew of this supposed danger? They responded with the sort of arrogance vultures are known for – certainty. I inquired further, as those uncertain are accustomed to doing, and asked whether or not this sort of questioning is valuable for creating a more robust existence? They looked at me with the sort of look a mother vulture shows her child for asking a cute yet ignorant question. I still wonder to this day how they were able to “just know”. Apparently, they were wrong, for it is now that I can not only fly, but walk if I choose, but in either I have experienced the joy of both.

I left the family of vulture’s years ago now, but I can still hear their voices in the quiet moments and see them circle overhead in my dreams. I can only pray that one day they will understand this: it is never about either this, or that, but instead, it is always about the possibility of another.

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