Pebbles in the Sky

Seldom do I ever admit fear.  But, this moment would be one of them. It seemed like a good idea to sit down and evaluate the situation. I winced as bruised knees collided with the earth. The grass was soft and feather-like, but any pressure seemed to make even my bones ache.

The sun was just beginning to rise. Little wisps of blue and purple were swelling higher and higher in the east until the vast expanse around me became a brilliant hue of indigo blue. The air was more fresh and moist up here and there was a sweetness that is difficult to describe-a delicate balance of rose and apple.

 At this point in my journey, I could have sat there indefinitely and just absorbed into the grassy knolls and allowed myself to be tossed to and fro.  The truth is though, I would have gotten bored.  I didn't choose this journey to only reach the top of the mountain because I knew there was a higher place.

As the peaches began to make their way into the blues, a twinkle caught my attention.  I began to crawl and then walk, bobbing back and forth trying to keep the mesmerizing object within my sight. My legs jolted and my knees buckled as my body instinctively stopped at the edge of a cliff.  My breath seemed to become lodged in between my ribs and heart as I realized the shiny treasure was a golden stone. It sparkled more and more as the sun continued to rise. It was then that I saw another one in front of that one- only that one was blood red.

At this point on my journey all that remained with me was a bow and a single arrow.  They would no longer be needed. It sounds strange, but somehow I knew. This was it. The last test. It was so longer about how strong I was. It was about how bold I could be. I hesitantly dropped my bow, quiver, and arrow onto the grass beside me and winced as I heard the crunching sound.

It was then that I closed my eyes and listened. I wanted some assurance this was the only way. It was then that a gentle breeze caressed my right hand and then my left. As I opened my eyes to look around I saw a staircase leading down.  I was positive it wasn't there before. The wind seemed to increase as I walked toward the stairs until I almost blew off.  My eyes caught a glimpse of fires below. It was all dust.  There was nothing left down there for me. My feet pivoted and I turned back to where I saw the stones and I walked back over.

The sun was now peaking it's welcoming light over the hills in the distance scattering fog and revealing a majestic lake, which seemed to be rising higher in the sky. It was at that moment I saw tiny glints of twinkling stones the looked like pebbles scattered across the sky heading in the direction of the great lake. 

As courage lifted my foot a gust of warm fragrant air blew me up and the ball of my right foot rested on the golden stone followed by my left on the blood red stone. A puff of air exited my lips in relief. I had a long way to go, but as I took each step the aches seemed to be left behind along with the pain of the preceding journey. 

I am currently walking on pebbles miles above the ground. I feel like I must be insane, but then I remember there is no Plan B.