A Man's Recollections Of His Youth

I was a young boy, nine years old perhaps, embarking on the first adventure of my life. It looked like a storm was ahead, and part of my heart was sorely afraid. I didn't think I'd be able to survive this trip, but I had to try. There was no one to help me. I was all alone.

Patience was something I learned very early in life. It was the product of not getting what I wanted, when I wanted, and being constantly disappointed by whomever crossed my path. I learned to rely on myself. I knew I would never let myself down.

But let's get back to my adventure. To some, the umbrella holding my small form adrift in the vast ocean, was that: only an umbrella. To me, however, it was a magnificent ship, my very own vessel, with a large, silver anchor, and spectacular blue sails, a truly marvelous possession which I felt extremely fortunate to have acquired from my royal inheritance. (Those seeing my umbrella would only see glass bottles, but people that see such things as they are, rather than imagining what they could be, those are the people are missing out, I think. People like that are not aware of the wonderful times they could have if they viewed the world as I did, back when I was a lad. If only they could break free of the mundane, the normalcy they cling to without fail. Then they could be as full of life as I am, right now.)

My adventure was of my own invention. I wasn't in the ocean. It was merely a lake, and the umbrella, my ship, I'd added to it, until I felt it was complete, and ready for it's maiden voyage, to the other side of the world. I speak interchangeably about the reality and imagination of my journey, not wanting to forget who I am, and from where I've come.

In my mind, I was royal, with loving parents, and siblings that cared a great deal about me. In reality, I was an orphan, and an only child. On my head is a bent arrow, that's what they'd see. What I see is my Captain's Hat, which designates me as the one in charge. In my mind, I see my First Mate, a proud, strong tiger-like force to be reckoned with, who would defend me at a moment's notice, should I need protecting from anything. He'd also be my Father, if I had one. My Second Mate is a fierce feline, female. She carries a dagger and is quick to raise it towards any who would try to harm me. She'd be my Mother, beautiful and kind.

As the storm approached, I noticed that my legs were shaking. Fear seemed to be gripping me from every direction. I wasn't ready to cross this treacherous water. It would surely devour me in it's fathomless depths. But I had them with me, which made me feel stronger, if only in my heart. I was fearless with them by my side. I could accomplish anything I put my mind to.

The storm came, but I fought it. I fought with every breath I took, even when the water was pouring down on me from above. It was strong, but I was stronger, and it didn't have the power I'd feared. It couldn't take me, because I was sure of myself, who I was, what I believed, where I was headed in life, and I knew with a certainty that I'd reach the other side of the world. I'd figure out my purpose, and fulfill my destiny.

My ship touched land, after the perilous danger I'd been fraught with. I let down the anchor, and walked down to the ground. I'd made it. The glee on my face was very evident, as the smile of success touched my mouth. I was pleased that I hadn't given up, proud of myself for having come this far.

Looking back now, I can remember the anticipation of reaching the other side of the world. It was as if I was a small pebble, among billions of rocks, who were bigger than me, better than me, smarter than me, or some other type of comparison. But when I grew up, I learned that I am who I am, and who I am is myself. No one can be me, nor can I be anyone else. It was this journey that taught me that, and I was glad to have experienced it.