Life has giant trees. The forest floor is dark due to the natural canopy. What is beyond the tree’s roof? Each day we travel our appointed rounds, assured that our darkenened forest floor is the same for everyone. It is hard to visualize the light if you have not seen it. It is hard to be the light if you have not felt it.

Who can say why we are like we are? Did we roll the boulder up the mountain one too many times? In the midst of our Sisyphus phase, did we stop to wonder, ‘What’s it all about, Alfie?’

‘We need a rule book,’ Mr. Mole said as he cleaned his spectacles. ‘Perhaps some daytrips outside the forest and a guided tour of other exotic lands,’ Mr. Mole noted with a small smile. ‘Once we are on the water with Ratty in his boat, the forest looks altogether different than under the dark canopy of trees,’ Mr. Mole said. ‘Remember last boat trip when the sun shone off the water like a rainbow,’ Mr. Mole asked. ‘It was so lovely and beyond description,’ Mr. Mole exclaimed.

‘I am told this is Sanctuary from those who would harm us,’ Traveler said. ‘Mean faces surround me and keep me awake at night,’ Traveler continued. ‘The faces tell me to go home, but when I tell them I’m home, they throw stones and sneer,’ Traveler said softly. ‘I seek a place to rest and gather my thoughts,’ Traveler explained. ‘I have no place to rest my weary head,’ Traveler whispered.

‘The Great Purge has begun,’ Hollow Man proclaimed. ‘For too long we have allowed the undesirables to reside among us,’ Hollow Man continued. ‘No more…we will purify our country…our blood…our soil,’ Hollow Man said with heavy-lidded eyes. ‘You will know us by our pedigree,’ Hollow Man noted. ‘We are the chosen, the righteous and just,’ Hollow Man danced.

‘It is a brilliant day in the Woods,’ the Old Man said with a wide grin. ‘With the leaves off their branches, you can see the sky clearly,’ the Old Man continued. ‘I am pleased you have joined me on my Woods Walk,’ the Old Man said to Traveler. ‘Where do you hail from?’ the Old Man asked Traveler.

‘I come from a long way and have seen many things,’ Traveler said. ‘I visit people who have become lost in life,’ Traveler continued. ‘It is easy to substitute faith for nationalism or Servant/Leadership for the riches of our world,’ Traveler said. ‘It is easy to miss the forest for the trees,’ Traveler said.