The Garden

Eve dragged herself despondently through the dark and dusty alley. Slick brick walls loomed on either side, making her feel trapped and desperate. She trudged on, smoke coating her throat and weariness clawing at her limbs.
 
Just as she had resigned herself to surrender, to lying down in the road and abandoning herself to exhaustion and extinction, she spotted a tall, white wooden, gate. Crawling now, expending her last reserves, she inched her way forward and heaved her shoulder against the gate. Three times she flung herself into the endeavour, and on the third thrust, the gate relented.
 
The momentum of her effort sent her tumbling into a wondrous garden ringed by a mercurial forest. As she slowly rose to her feet, she was suffused with a sense of deep peace in this verdant realm of abundance. She could hear the colours and see the sounds. She could smell the flavours and taste the aromas. All of her senses were suddenly engaged and interwoven.
 
The sun was honey-coloured and drenched the scene in sweetness and warmth. The air was heady with the rich green scent of freshly mown grass. Colour seemed to vibrate within each flower and generate an intoxicating melody. Breathing felt like sipping effervescent music. The effect was dizzyingly delicious.
 
Turning her head, she noticed a tall elegant bird walking toward her. His aquamarine feathers were silky and iridescent. His legs were slender yet strong. Atop his long lithe neck perched a face that was wise and welcoming. He approached with grace and fluidity and immediately engaged her in conversation.
 
He spoke a language of unique and mellifluous words, and, much to her surprise, she understood him perfectly. They strolled amicably through the garden, as he described some of the spectacular plants and fascinating creatures that she saw.
 
Finally, she asked him, ‘Where am I?’
 
‘In the garden,’ her replied.
 
‘But where is that?’ she persisted.
 
‘Where is has always been,’ he smiled. With that, he vanished into the  kaleidoscopic forest.
 
As he disappeared, she rubbed her eyes to make sure that this wasn’t some sort of mirage. Then, she woke slowly and serenely—like someone whose questions have finally been answered.
 
When the nurse appeared and re-introduced herself for the umpteenth time, Eve’s previous frustration had evaporated. Now peace blanketed the small airless room. The nurse asked if she wanted anything for the pain. Instead of her usual vehement refusal, she said, ‘Yes. Yes. I want to go back to the garden.’


​22 May 2018