A Kind Word and A Bottle of Water — by Lucky

Recently, I was sitting in my living room with a friend of mine named Jeffrey. We were talking about the many challenges we face by trying to be conscious. Soon the conversation turned to how we could help other path mates. He surprised me with the following poem, which he had written, to address this same question. Two of his metaphors immediately captured my attention — a kind word, and a bottle of water. I want to share the poem with you and inquire further into the make-up of these two offerings. I hope it touches you, as it did me, and that you share your awareness with another climber.

On the Path to Diamond Head

You climb the steep path of switchbacks,

In the hope of gaining a beautiful perspective. 

The path is rough and broken,

With too many stairs for any one person.

Always wondering how much more is required. 

There!  Below you are others,

Traveling on the same path as you,

Tired and thirsty, slogging through their desire to stop.

If only they could climb straight up,

shortening the endless path of switch back.

They could be where you are now, see what you see, be closer to their goal.

But… isn’t their journey hard enough as it is?

Instead of wishing them your vista,

Why not offer a kind word and a bottle of water?

                                                                                 Jeffrey Young

In reflecting upon “the kind word” and “the bottle of water,” I ask. What are they, really? How does one offer them? Who does one see? All along the way, as I reflected, I thought about those who have helped me climb. I may be just grateful enough to pass along some of what enables me to keep going.

As a burgeoning elder responsible to the future, I look to the young ones, sometimes behind me on the path, sometimes ahead, and I want to admire them (a kind word) and I want to refresh them (a bottle of water). But, what do I, who has been struggling empty-handed so long, have to give? My only answer, at this point, is this, a kind word of admiration for who they are becoming, and a bottle of water, some kind of customized nourishment, a little of life’s vitality, to enable them to continue.

As a burgeoning elder responsible to the present, I look to my fellow elders, sometimes behind me on the path, sometimes ahead, and I want to admire them (a kind word) and I want to refresh them (a bottle of water). But, I forget. I spend too much of my time doubting that I might hold anything that could provide succor, inspiration or energy. My hands are full of mistakes. My only answer, at this point, is this, a kind word of admiration for who they are becoming, and a bottle of water, a little of life’s vitality, to enable them to continue.

The latter, I’ve concluded, can only be transferred through adequate relating. The life-force, as I see it, is community (a knowing that the wholeness of all things is behind, and within). This isn’t a belonging, or an achievement, that can be passed on. This is only the solace of sharing a freshly broken-open heart.

The gift of water is the gift of Life. Sharing is what life is about. The climb, is Life’s gift to all of us. How we help each other along the way, is how we honor what has been given to us. Miraculously, at the same time, it is our gift of support for each other. My climb into being fully what the Universe created — more fully myself — is the gift I can best give, and strangely, the one that offers the most nourishment.

May there always be climbers — refreshment in the making!