| THE OLD MAN AND THE MOUNTAIN Along life's journey I had to learn a thing or two Sometimes we got to climb a mountain to overcome our fear. or it will get the best of you. I met an old man on the road one hot day in the Sun He said to me "son you look mighty troubled" I replied "you can see that clearly huh?" He told me it was in my eyes...was a sure give away. All he could see was the pain, the hurt, and agony. "If you want true healing you need to face it today." "True healing comes from overcoming a diease called Could of's and Should of's," he told me soft and low. In Vietnam you did your best you did not fail or fall. "See that mountain straight ahead, it contains all of the answers that you seek". I turned to ask a simple question but he was gone, his name I started to call. I began to climb the mountain and I heard voices begin to say "Go back" it wasn't safe for even them. I replied "nothing would stop me from finishing today." As I reached the mid-way point I hear someone cry It was doubt...he had been discovered, faced head-on, he was such a coward, he began to fade and die. I thought to myself that was too easy he seemed stronger, he had been my partner for the past 32 years or so I usually gave in to him but not today not any longer. Renewed in self confidence I began again to climb then I heard the evil laugh of the twins fear and worry their voices in the clouds did chime. I climbed faster now I knew I could not stop for I had to take them to the task, to rid their life in mine. I knew what I had to do-throw them down from the top. I reached the top and there they were ugly to my sight We began the struggle to see who would win today They taunted and they screamed as we began our fight. "You can't win we have controlled you far to long We know your every weakness." I was bound and determined that in my life they did not belong. I grabbed worry by the throat and shook him with all my might. I squeezed the very life out of him and tossed him off the side. Then it was fear's turn I hated him most of all. It was me or him that would win today. I glanced in his big brown eyes, there I saw it, ..he was terrifed! He tried to run away. He tripped and fell off the side. Falling to his death and now I knew I had another chance. To begin my life over without worry fear or doubt. I know that Vietnam is a part of my life and will continue to be. But now I can live my life finally pain-free. Copywrite @ May 2001 Kerry "Doc" Pardue Dedicated to a good friend Major James Juhan, he was the first person who helped me begin my search for healing...he encouraged me to dig deeper and to write...where ever you are Jim...God Bless and thanks...Doc Pardue |
