Nearer

"Nearer, nearer, nearer,

I'm coming,

Nearer, nearer, nearer."

The Child sang. The moon had disappeared, and the sun was slowly rising from its hiding place.

"What a beautiful melody, Child? Where did you learn it?"

"I didn't, Prophet. It just came up from my heart as I was waking up. I heard

Nearer, nearer, nearer,

I'm coming,

Nearer, nearer, nearer,

And I started singing."

"Well, you massaged my heartstrings; your voice sounds as if it is a tuba horn."

The Child laughed, pleased to make The Prophet happy, and she looked out over the ocean.

"A sailboat is approaching from afar, Prophet."

"How far, Child?"

"It's almost near us, and what a beauty."

The Prophet saw the expectation on the Child's face.

"If we get on the sailboat, we'd get to our destination faster."

"Do you think so, Child?"

Bewitched by the sailboat approaching them, the Child didn't answer.

"Can we change our mode of transportation, Prophet? It is so much faster than the lily pad."

"You can, Child."

"Won't you come with me?"

No, Child, I'll stay here with the lily pad and your friend Mr. Whale."

"But the sailboat is moving faster than the lily pad, Prophet."

"What is wrong with that?"

"Don't you want to arrive sooner?"

"No, Child.  I want to arrive at the appointed time."

"Which means?"

"What was that song you were singing when you awoke?" The Prophet asked.

Disappointment laced the Child's voice when she sang

"Nearer, nearer, nearer,

I'm coming nearer,

Oh, oh nearer."

As the sailboat came nearer, it began to fade in the sunlight until it was no more.

"It's gone!" said the Child, startled.

"I know, Child. Keep singing."

Shalom,

Pat Garcia